CVE-2018-0207 in Secure Access Control Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based user interface of the Cisco Secure Access Control Server prior to 5.8 patch 9 could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain read access to certain information in the affected system. The vulnerability is due to improper handling of XML External Entities (XXEs) when parsing an XML file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing the administrator of an affected system to import a crafted XML file. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCve70595.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0207 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Secure Access Control Server versions prior to 5.8 patch 9, specifically within its web-based user interface component. This weakness stems from inadequate validation and handling of XML External Entities, creating a pathway for malicious actors to access sensitive system information without authentication. The vulnerability operates through a classic XXE exploitation vector where crafted XML content can trigger unintended system behavior, potentially exposing confidential data to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper parsing of XML files within the affected Cisco Secure Access Control Server environment. When administrators import XML configuration files, the system fails to properly sanitize external entity references, allowing attackers to construct malicious XML payloads that can access internal system resources. This flaw aligns with CWE-611, which categorizes improper restriction of XML external entity reference as a significant weakness in XML processing. The vulnerability requires social engineering to exploit effectively, as attackers must convince administrators to import specifically crafted XML files that contain malicious external entity declarations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0207 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unauthorized read access to potentially sensitive configuration data, user credentials, and system metadata within the affected Cisco Secure Access Control Server. This access could enable further exploitation attempts including privilege escalation, lateral movement within network segments, or the development of more sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the unauthenticated access requirement makes it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is not properly restricted. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0207 primarily involve applying the official Cisco security patches released as part of the 5.8 patch 9 update, which specifically addresses the XXE handling issues in the web-based user interface. Network segmentation and administrative access controls should be implemented to limit who can import XML files into the system, while regular monitoring of system logs can help detect suspicious import activities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for XML External Entity Processing, highlighting the need for defensive measures including input validation, XML parser hardening, and privileged access controls. Organizations should also implement comprehensive security awareness training to prevent social engineering attacks that rely on convincing administrators to import malicious XML content.