CVE-2019-1838 in Application Policy Infrastructure Controller
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based management interface of an affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to click a 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. This vulnerability has been fixed in software version 14.1(1i).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1838 resides within the web-based management interface of Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) systems, representing a critical security weakness that enables authenticated remote attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks. This flaw specifically affects the APIC platform, which serves as a core component in Cisco's application-centric networking solutions, managing complex network policies and infrastructure configurations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the system through crafted user-supplied data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic cross-site scripting flaw that operates through the web interface's insufficient sanitization of user input. When an authenticated attacker crafts a malicious link and successfully persuades a legitimate user to click it, the vulnerability allows arbitrary script execution within the context of the victim's browser session. This particular weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack vector requires user interaction, making it a client-side vulnerability that leverages the trust relationship between the legitimate user and the vulnerable interface, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive browser-based information or execute malicious code with the privileges of the authenticated user.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1838 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities within the compromised environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive configuration data, manipulate network policies, or even escalate privileges within the APIC management interface. The vulnerability's remediation requires software version 14.1(1i) or later, which incorporates proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious data from being processed through the web interface. This update addresses the fundamental flaw in the input validation process that allowed the XSS attack to succeed, thereby protecting against unauthorized access and script execution in the management interface.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers script-based execution through web interfaces, and demonstrates the importance of implementing robust input validation controls in web applications. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure coding practices, particularly in management interfaces that handle sensitive administrative functions. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including regular software updates, network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious user activities. The fix provided by Cisco in version 14.1(1i) represents a necessary remediation that addresses the root cause of the vulnerability through improved validation mechanisms and input sanitization processes that prevent malicious scripts from being executed within the web interface environment.