CVE-2018-0190 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 • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0190 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco IOS XE Software's web-based user interface, exposing organizations to significant remote attack vectors. This vulnerability specifically targets the web UI component of Cisco's IOS XE operating system, which is widely deployed across networking equipment including routers and switches. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters passed through the web interface, creating exploitable entry points for malicious actors. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Cisco IOS XE Software and has been documented with associated Cisco bug IDs CSCuz38591, CSCvb09530, and CSCvb10022, indicating the scope and severity of the issue across different software releases.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to leverage insufficient input validation controls that exist within the web UI's parameter handling mechanisms. The attack vector operates through two primary methods: either by tricking a legitimate user into clicking a malicious link that contains crafted payloads or by intercepting and modifying user requests to inject malicious code. This approach aligns with the common exploitation patterns of XSS vulnerabilities, where attackers manipulate web applications to execute scripts in the victim's browser context. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS issue means that malicious code could be executed within the context of the web UI, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access or extract sensitive information from the user's browser session. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it could enable attackers to access browser-based information, potentially including session cookies, authentication tokens, or other sensitive data stored in the user's browser.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0190 poses severe risks to organizations relying on Cisco IOS XE Software for network infrastructure management. Remote attackers with no authentication credentials can exploit this vulnerability to compromise user sessions, potentially leading to unauthorized access to network management interfaces and critical infrastructure controls. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can undermine the security posture of entire network segments that depend on the affected software for administrative access. The implications extend to potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might gain access to administrative functions through session hijacking or credential theft. Organizations using affected Cisco IOS XE Software versions face the risk of unauthorized network configuration changes, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of network services. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed networking equipment means that the potential attack surface is extensive, affecting enterprises, service providers, and government organizations that rely on Cisco's networking solutions.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address CVE-2018-0190, beginning with immediate patching of affected Cisco IOS XE Software versions according to Cisco's security advisories. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of the affected web UI components to untrusted networks or users. Web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to detect and block suspicious parameter inputs that could indicate XSS attack attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software within the network infrastructure. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the security fixes do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network operations. Additionally, security awareness training for network administrators should emphasize the importance of recognizing and avoiding malicious links that could exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and CWE-79 for cross-site scripting, highlighting the need for proper input validation and output encoding in web applications. The remediation efforts should also include monitoring for potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and log review processes to detect any indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability.