CVE-2019-1665 in HyperFlex Software
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco HyperFlex software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based management interface of an affected system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface of an affected system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to click a maliciously crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected interface or access sensitive, browser-based information. Versions prior to 3.5(1a) are affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1665 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco HyperFlex software's web-based management interface. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability affects systems running versions prior to 3.5(1a) and poses significant risks to organizations relying on Cisco HyperFlex infrastructure for their hyperconverged computing needs. The flaw exists specifically within the web interface components that handle user interactions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows standard XSS attack patterns where malicious input is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in the user's browser context. Attackers can craft malicious links containing malicious script payloads that, when clicked by an authenticated user within the affected interface, execute arbitrary code in the victim's browser session. This type of attack falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient input validation and output encoding. The attack vector operates through social engineering techniques where users are tricked into clicking malicious links, making it particularly insidious as it requires no direct system compromise or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution capabilities to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the compromised session. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could access sensitive browser-based information, manipulate the web interface functionality, or even escalate privileges within the context of the affected system. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that any user with access to the web interface could become a victim, potentially compromising the entire administrative environment. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the management interface, which serves as the primary control point for HyperFlex cluster administration.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the Cisco security patch released for version 3.5(1a) and subsequent releases. Network segmentation and monitoring of web interface traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach should also include user education regarding phishing awareness and the dangers of clicking untrusted links within administrative interfaces. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1566 for phishing attacks. Regular security assessments of web applications and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the HyperFlex platform or related infrastructure.