CVE-2018-0188 in IOS XE
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based user interface (web UI) 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 UI of the affected software. The vulnerabilities are due to insufficient input validation of certain parameters that are passed to the affected software via the web UI. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by persuading a user of the affected UI to access a malicious link or by intercepting a user request for the affected UI 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 UI or allow the attacker to access sensitive browser-based information on the user's system. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCuz38591, CSCvb09530, CSCvb10022.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0188 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the web-based user interface of Cisco IOS XE Software, a widely deployed network operating system that powers numerous enterprise networking devices including routers and switches. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters passed through the web UI, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into the affected system. The flaw specifically affects the web management interface of Cisco IOS XE Software, which provides administrators and users with a graphical means to configure and monitor network devices, making it a prime target for exploitation given its accessibility and the sensitive nature of the information it handles.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary vectors: social engineering attacks where an attacker crafts malicious links designed to target unsuspecting users of the web UI, or through man-in-the-middle interception techniques where attackers modify legitimate user requests to inject malicious payloads. The insufficient input validation allows attackers to pass specially crafted parameters that bypass security checks, enabling the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can manipulate the user's browser environment to perform actions on behalf of the user, including accessing sensitive session cookies, stealing authentication tokens, or redirecting users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can potentially lead to complete browser-based information disclosure, allowing attackers to access confidential data stored within the user's browser or execute commands that compromise the integrity of the web interface itself.
The operational implications of CVE-2018-0188 are particularly severe given the widespread deployment of Cisco IOS XE Software across enterprise networks where these devices serve as critical infrastructure components. Network administrators who rely on the web UI for device management become vulnerable to attacks that could compromise their entire network monitoring and control capabilities. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require prior credentials to mount successful attacks, significantly increasing the attack surface and reducing the barrier to exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications. The attack vectors described in the vulnerability are consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of script-based attacks through web interfaces, and T1566, which encompasses social engineering techniques used to deliver malicious payloads through web-based attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates released to address the identified XSS flaws, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, and conducting thorough security assessments of all web-based management interfaces within their network infrastructure. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable web UI to untrusted networks, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites that could potentially deliver malicious payloads through the vulnerable web interface. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation mechanisms in all web applications, particularly those managing critical network infrastructure components.