CVE-2017-12220 in FirePOWER Management Center
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based management interface of an affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface of an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the interface or allow the attacker to access sensitive browser-based information. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvc50771.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-12220 affects the web-based management interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to execute reflected cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the web interface fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by authenticated users, trigger the execution of malicious scripts within the user's browser session. The reflected nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through various vectors including email links, instant messaging, or compromised websites that direct users to malicious pages. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or sanitization, and can be classified under the broader category of CWE-20, representing Input Validation Flaws.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive browser-based information and potentially escalate their privileges within the management interface. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate the web interface to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, access sensitive configuration data, or even redirect users to malicious sites that could further compromise the network security posture. The attack requires social engineering to convince a legitimate user to click a crafted link, but once successful, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code within the user's browser context, potentially leading to complete compromise of the management interface. This vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on Cisco Firepower Management Center, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical network security controls and potentially disrupt network operations. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the user and the web interface, making it particularly insidious since users may not realize they are being targeted.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12220 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts. Organizations must prioritize applying the official Cisco security patches released to address this vulnerability, which typically include enhanced input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web interface. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls to detect and block malicious XSS payloads, while also monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against reflected XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded, making it more difficult for attackers to execute malicious code even if they successfully deliver a crafted link. Security teams should also conduct regular security assessments of the web-based management interfaces to identify and remediate similar input validation issues that may exist in other components of the network infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and proper input validation practices as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's methodology for defending against web-based attacks, specifically targeting techniques related to client-side exploitation and credential access.