CVE-2017-12346 in Data Center Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) Software could allow a remote attacker to inject arbitrary values into DCNM configuration parameters, redirect a user to a malicious website, inject malicious content into a DCNM client interface, or conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the affected software. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvf40477, CSCvf63150, CSCvf68218, CSCvf68235, CSCvf68247.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
Cisco Data Center Network Manager software contains multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to manipulate configuration parameters and compromise user sessions. These vulnerabilities arise from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web interface components of DCNM software versions prior to 10.3.1. The affected software fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic content, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of authenticated users. The vulnerabilities specifically impact the configuration parameter handling mechanisms and web interface rendering processes that process user inputs without adequate sanitization controls.
The technical flaw manifests through several attack vectors that leverage the absence of proper input validation and output encoding practices. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by crafting malicious payloads that contain script code within configuration parameters or user interface elements. When the vulnerable software processes these inputs, the malicious code gets executed within the browser context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, unauthorized configuration changes, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they affect the core administrative interface of the network management system, where users typically have elevated privileges and access to critical network configuration data.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond simple script injection, as they create potential pathways for more severe security compromises within data center environments. An attacker who successfully exploits these XSS vulnerabilities can manipulate network configurations, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject malicious content that could compromise the integrity of the entire network management system. The vulnerabilities affect multiple components within DCNM, including configuration parameter handling, user interface rendering, and session management functions. This widespread impact means that a single exploitation attempt could potentially compromise multiple aspects of the network management infrastructure, particularly in environments where DCNM serves as the primary tool for managing large-scale data center networks.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Cisco DCNM version 10.3.1 or later to remediate these vulnerabilities, as this release includes proper input validation and output encoding controls that prevent the injection of malicious content. Network administrators should also implement additional defensive measures such as web application firewalls and regular security assessments of the DCNM interface. The vulnerabilities align with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting flaws and map to ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1531 Account Access Removal, as they enable attackers to execute malicious code and potentially compromise user accounts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough input validation reviews of all web interfaces and implement comprehensive security testing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network management systems.