CVE-2020-3233 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based Local Manager interface of the Cisco IOx Application Framework could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based Local Manager interface of an affected device. The attacker must have valid Local Manager credentials. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based Local Manager interface of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious code into a system settings tab. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected web interface or allow the attacker to access sensitive browser-based information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-3233 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the web-based Local Manager interface of Cisco IOx Application Framework devices. This security weakness specifically targets the authentication and input validation mechanisms of the affected system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only valid Local Manager credentials to exploit, meaning that an attacker who has already gained access to legitimate user accounts can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and conduct further attacks. The affected devices are typically industrial networking equipment that serve as edge computing platforms, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where security is paramount.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web-based Local Manager interface, specifically within the system settings tab functionality. This deficiency allows malicious code to be stored and subsequently executed when other users access the affected interface, which aligns with the CWE-79 definition of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript' and T1531 for 'Account Access Removal', as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary scripts and potentially manipulate user sessions. The insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input creates a persistent threat vector where malicious payloads can be injected and stored within the system settings, making them available to any user who accesses the affected interface. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code remains active even after the initial injection, continuously posing a threat to all users who interact with the vulnerable interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, and access sensitive browser-based information. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to gain access to administrative functions, modify system configurations, or even redirect users to malicious websites that could further compromise their systems. The attack scenario typically involves an authenticated user with Local Manager privileges who navigates to the system settings tab and inadvertently executes malicious code that was previously injected by another attacker. This vulnerability particularly affects industrial environments where IOx Application Framework devices are deployed for edge computing, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on these platforms for critical infrastructure operations. The potential for data exfiltration and system compromise makes this vulnerability a high-priority issue for security teams managing these devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-3233 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the affected web interface. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated and sanitized before being processed or stored, which directly addresses the CWE-79 vulnerability pattern. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the scope of potential attacks, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the Local Manager interface. Regular security updates and patches should be applied promptly to address known vulnerabilities, and monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators can help prevent credential compromise through social engineering attacks, while multi-factor authentication should be implemented where possible to add additional layers of protection. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent malicious code execution and protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.