CVE-2019-1673 in Identity Services Engine
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could allow an authenticated, 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. For information about fixed software releases, consult the Cisco bug ID at https://quickview.cloudapps.cisco.com/quickview/bug/CSCvn64652. When considering software upgrades, customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for Cisco products, which are available from the Cisco Security Advisories and Alerts page, to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1673 resides within the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), a critical component in network access control and identity management solutions. This security flaw represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits insufficient input validation mechanisms within the web application's parameter handling processes. The Cisco Identity Services Engine serves as a central hub for managing network access policies, authenticating users, and enforcing security controls across enterprise networks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on its services for critical infrastructure protection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization and validation of user-supplied input parameters within the web interface components. When the application processes requests containing maliciously crafted input, it fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable code by web browsers. This deficiency creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be seamlessly integrated into the application's response, enabling the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability specifically affects parameters passed through the web-based management interface, suggesting that the flaw exists in the application's input handling logic rather than in underlying system components or network protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive browser-based information and potentially compromise user sessions. An authenticated attacker with access to the web interface can craft malicious links that, when clicked by an unsuspecting user, execute malicious scripts in the victim's browser. This scenario enables several attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the application's context. The attack requires social engineering to convince users to click malicious links, but once successful, the attacker gains significant control over the affected user's interaction with the ISE management interface. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a common technique used in web application attacks that can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for social engineering.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of Cisco's official security patches and software updates. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Cisco ISE software, and the specific affected releases are documented in the referenced Cisco bug ID CSCvn64652. Security administrators should consult the Cisco Security Advisories and Alerts page for comprehensive information regarding affected product versions, vulnerability details, and recommended upgrade paths. Beyond patch management, organizations should implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls, input validation controls, and user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments of web applications and continuous monitoring for suspicious activities should be maintained as part of comprehensive security operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web application security and highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices that prevent the injection of malicious content into web responses, thereby reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries targeting enterprise identity management systems.