CVE-2017-12272 in IOS XE
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web framework code of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web interface of the affected software. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of some parameters that are passed to the web server of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user of the web interface to access a malicious link or by intercepting a user request for the affected web interface and injecting malicious code into the request. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected web interface or allow the attacker to access sensitive browser-based information. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvb09516.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12272 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco IOS XE Software's web framework implementation. This security weakness exists in the web server component that handles user interactions through the graphical interface, creating an attack surface that remote threat actors can exploit without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability specifically affects the input validation mechanisms that process parameters submitted through the web interface, demonstrating a fundamental failure in sanitizing user-supplied data before incorporating it into web responses. The affected software operates across multiple Cisco network devices including routers and switches running IOS XE, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these platforms in enterprise and service provider environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through insufficient validation of input parameters that are processed by the web server component. When users interact with the affected web interface, the software fails to properly sanitize or validate certain parameters that are passed to the web server, creating opportunities for malicious code injection. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious links that contain XSS payloads, which when clicked by an authenticated user within the web interface context, execute arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser. The vulnerability also permits interception and modification of user requests, allowing attackers to inject malicious code directly into the web traffic before it reaches the affected software components. This dual attack vector - both user-initiated and network-interception based - significantly increases the exploitability and potential impact of the vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12272 extends beyond simple script execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete browser session compromise and access to sensitive information. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the web interface, potentially allowing them to steal session cookies, modify user permissions, or access confidential data that would normally be protected by the web interface's authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability also enables attackers to access sensitive browser-based information, which could include cached credentials, session tokens, or other data stored in the user's browser memory. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who rely on the web interface for device management. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 indicates a classic cross-site scripting weakness where the application fails to properly validate or escape user-controllable input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content.
Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through software updates and patches that implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web framework. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates to protect their network infrastructure from potential exploitation. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive vulnerability assessment of all affected IOS XE devices, network segmentation to limit access to the web interface, and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious requests. Security monitoring should focus on identifying suspicious web traffic patterns and potential XSS payloads in network logs, while user education programs should emphasize the dangers of clicking untrusted links in web interface contexts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in web framework implementations can lead to significant security consequences. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as content security policies and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in their network infrastructure.