CVE-2018-0388 in Wireless LAN Controller
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based interface of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against the user of the web-based interface of an affected system. 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 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0388 resides within the web-based interface of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller software, representing a critical security weakness that enables authenticated remote attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks. This flaw specifically manifests in the insufficient validation mechanisms applied to user-supplied input within the web interface components, creating an avenue for malicious code injection that can compromise user sessions and access sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious links that, when clicked by an authenticated user, trigger the XSS payload execution within the web interface context. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation processes that fail to properly filter or escape user-provided data before it is rendered back to the browser. This weakness aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a fundamental web application security flaw occurring when applications fail to validate or sanitize user input properly.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0388 extends beyond simple script execution, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code within the browser context of the affected interface. This capability enables attackers to steal session cookies, modify interface content, redirect users to malicious sites, or access sensitive browser-based information that may include administrative credentials or network configuration data. The authenticated nature of the attack means that the vulnerability requires a valid user session but does not need elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is frequently used.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering. The attack vector relies on user interaction through crafted links, making it susceptible to phishing campaigns or social engineering tactics where attackers manipulate users into clicking malicious payloads. Organizations using Cisco WLC software face significant risk as the web interface often provides administrative access to critical wireless network configurations, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers seeking persistent access to wireless infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0388 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Cisco WLC software versions, as Cisco typically releases security updates addressing such vulnerabilities. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including web application firewalls that can detect and block XSS attempts, enhanced input validation measures, and regular security audits of web interfaces. Organizations should conduct user awareness training to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious links, while implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation mechanisms in network infrastructure management interfaces to prevent unauthorized code execution and information disclosure.