CVE-2017-12316 in Identity Services Engine
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the Guest Portal login page of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to perform multiple login attempts in excess of the configured login attempt limit. The vulnerability is due to insufficient server-side login attempt limit enforcement. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending modified login attempts to the Guest Portal login page. An exploit could allow the attacker to perform brute-force password attacks on the ISE Guest Portal. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCve98518.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12316 resides within Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Guest Portal login functionality, representing a critical security flaw that undermines authentication controls. This weakness specifically targets the server-side enforcement mechanisms designed to prevent excessive login attempts, creating a pathway for unauthorized access attempts that bypass configured security measures. The vulnerability stems from inadequate implementation of rate limiting and attempt tracking mechanisms within the ISE platform's guest portal authentication system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of login requests sent to the Guest Portal interface, where the system fails to properly enforce the configured maximum login attempt limits. This flaw allows attackers to submit multiple login attempts without proper server-side validation, effectively disabling the built-in protection mechanisms that should prevent brute-force attacks. The vulnerability manifests when the ISE system does not adequately track and enforce login attempt thresholds, enabling attackers to systematically test credentials through repeated authentication requests.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations utilizing Cisco ISE for network access control and identity management. The ability to perform brute-force password attacks against the Guest Portal login page compromises the integrity of the entire authentication framework, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain access to guest networks and associated resources. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as successful exploitation could lead to network penetration, lateral movement, and potential compromise of sensitive organizational data. This vulnerability directly affects the principle of least privilege and undermines the security posture of networks relying on Cisco ISE for access control.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Cisco ISE software, configuring additional network-level protections such as firewall rules to limit access to the Guest Portal, and implementing enhanced monitoring for suspicious login patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 authentication weakness categories and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's credential access and privilege escalation tactics. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication controls including multi-factor authentication and enhanced logging to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network components and ensure comprehensive protection against credential-based attacks.