CVE-2018-0339 in Identity Services Engine
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based interface. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of some parameters passed to the web-based management interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user of the interface to click a specific 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: CSCvf72309.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0339 affects Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) web-based management interface, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability resides within the web interface's input validation mechanisms, specifically targeting parameters passed through the management console. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into the web application's response. The Cisco Identity Services Engine serves as a critical network access control solution that manages and enforces security policies across enterprise networks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on its services for network security enforcement.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-0339 occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious link containing XSS payload and convinces a legitimate user of the ISE web interface to click on it. This type of attack falls under CWE-79, which classifies cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation that permit malicious code execution within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive browser-based information, manipulate user sessions, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The attack vector requires user interaction through a specially crafted link, making it a classic example of a client-side attack that leverages social engineering techniques to achieve its objectives. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the malicious scripts can execute within the browser environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability within enterprise security infrastructure is substantial, as the ISE platform serves as a central point for network access control and identity management. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to network resources, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance activities within the network. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no valid credentials are required to initiate the exploit, significantly lowering the barrier for successful compromise. Organizations using Cisco ISE for critical network security functions face potential exposure to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and disruption of access control policies that protect their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in a management interface creates a particularly dangerous scenario where attackers can potentially manipulate the very systems designed to protect network security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0339 should focus on immediate patch deployment from Cisco, specifically addressing the input validation deficiencies in the web-based management interface. Organizations must ensure that all instances of Cisco ISE are updated with the appropriate security patches released by Cisco to remediate the vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the ISE management interface to untrusted networks, while monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1548.002, which covers elevation of privileges through exploitation of security flaws, making it essential for organizations to maintain comprehensive patch management processes and security monitoring capabilities to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.