CVE-2018-0144 in Prime Data Center Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a 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: CSCvg81051.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0144 resides within the web-based management interface of Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the system's user authentication and input validation mechanisms. This issue stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise the affected network management platform. The vulnerability specifically affects the web interface component that handles user interactions and data processing, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to leverage the trust relationship between legitimate users and the management system.
The technical exploitation of this cross-site scripting vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input fields within the web interface, where insufficient validation allows malicious payloads to be injected and executed within the browser context of authenticated users. Attackers can craft specially designed links or web requests that, when clicked by a victim user, trigger the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser session. This flaw operates under the CWE-79 classification as a cross-site scripting vulnerability, where the system fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in web pages. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute code in the context of the affected interface, potentially allowing them to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or extract sensitive information from the browser environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the network management interface and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive browser-based information, including session tokens and other authentication credentials that might be stored in the browser's memory or local storage. The attack vector relies on social engineering techniques where users are tricked into clicking malicious links, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network administrators frequently interact with web-based management interfaces. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the user interface and can potentially lead to unauthorized access to network configuration data and management functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0144 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Cisco, specifically addressing the input validation deficiencies in the web-based management interface. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected management interface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the system through secure network paths. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks, while regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar input validation flaws. Security awareness training for network administrators can help reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks that exploit this vulnerability, and monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious user activities or unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for script injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the technical flaw and the human factors that enable successful exploitation.