CVE-2018-0200 in Prime Service Catalog
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based interface of Cisco Prime Service Catalog could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based interface of an affected product. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based interface. 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: CSCvh65713.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0200 represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Prime Service Catalog's web-based interface. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack vector that enables remote code execution in user browser contexts. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms implemented within the web interface, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise user sessions and access sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication credentials from the attacker, making it accessible to any remote user who can influence the target's interaction with the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted malicious link that, when clicked by an authenticated user, triggers the reflected XSS payload within the web interface. The attack mechanism leverages the insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based interface, allowing malicious script code to be executed in the context of the vulnerable application. This reflected nature means that the malicious payload is not stored on the server but is instead reflected back to the user through the application's response, typically via URL parameters or form fields. The vulnerability specifically affects Cisco Prime Service Catalog versions prior to 10.2.1, making it a targeted issue for organizations using older releases of this network management platform. The attack vector demonstrates the classic characteristics of a reflected XSS exploit where user input is immediately processed and returned without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive browser-based information and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or redirect victims to malicious sites that could harvest additional credentials. The vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on Cisco Prime Service Catalog for service provisioning and management, as it could compromise the integrity of the service catalog interface and potentially provide attackers with access to privileged information. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the service catalog may contain sensitive configuration data, service definitions, and user access information. The impact is amplified by the fact that the attack requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link, making it highly effective in social engineering campaigns.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Cisco Prime Service Catalog version 10.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation deficiencies. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers against reflected XSS attacks. Security teams should also conduct user awareness training to prevent social engineering attacks that rely on tricking users into clicking malicious links. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of web-based scripting languages, and represents a common attack pattern documented in various threat intelligence reports. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure.