CVE-2018-0145 in Data Center Analytics Framework
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of the Cisco Data Center Analytics Framework application could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the interface of an affected system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to click a malicious 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 on the affected system. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvg45105.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0145 affects the Cisco Data Center Analytics Framework application's web-based management interface, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to execute reflected cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise user sessions and access sensitive information. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input, allowing malicious payloads to be reflected back to users without appropriate security measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the attacker crafting malicious links that, when clicked by an authenticated user, trigger the reflected XSS payload within the vulnerable web interface. This attack vector operates through the principle of reflected cross-site scripting where malicious scripts are reflected off the web server and executed in the victim's browser context. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and represents a direct violation of secure input validation practices recommended in industry standards. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code within the user's browser session, potentially gaining access to sensitive session cookies, personal information, or other browser-based data stored in the affected system's context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker successfully exploiting this vulnerability could potentially impersonate legitimate users, access restricted administrative functions, or extract confidential information from the web interface. The reflected nature of the attack means that the malicious payload is delivered through a single interaction, making it particularly dangerous as users may inadvertently click on compromised links in emails, instant messages, or other communication channels. This vulnerability significantly undermines the security posture of affected Cisco Data Center Analytics Framework implementations and represents a critical risk to enterprise network management systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation enhancements, proper output encoding, and the deployment of web application firewalls to protect against this specific XSS attack vector. Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through software updates and patches that strengthen input validation mechanisms within the web interface. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing of the updated software to ensure that all input validation points have been properly addressed and that the patched systems maintain their intended functionality. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their web-based management interfaces to identify similar input validation weaknesses that may exist in other applications. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize the importance of not clicking suspicious links and verifying the legitimacy of web resources before interacting with them, as the successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction with malicious content.