CVE-2020-3354 in Data Center Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with administrative credentials to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the interface. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation by the web-based management interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by inserting malicious data into a specific data field in the interface. 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. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need administrative credentials on the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-3354 resides within Cisco Data Center Network Manager's web-based management interface, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of administrative operations. This issue affects organizations relying on Cisco DCNM for data center network management, where the web interface serves as the primary point of administrative interaction. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to compromise system security. The affected interface operates as a centralized management platform for complex network infrastructures, making it a prime target for sophisticated cyber attacks that could potentially disrupt critical network operations and compromise sensitive enterprise data.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2020-3354 occurs through a cross-site scripting attack vector that leverages insufficient validation of input fields within the web interface. Attackers with administrative credentials can manipulate specific data fields to inject malicious script code that executes within the context of the vulnerable interface. This flaw enables attackers to perform arbitrary code execution in the user's browser session, potentially allowing them to access sensitive information stored in browser memory or cookies. The vulnerability specifically targets the web application layer where user inputs are processed without adequate sanitization, creating a persistent threat that can be exploited across multiple sessions. The attack requires only administrative privileges, which significantly reduces the barrier to exploitation while increasing the potential impact, as administrative credentials typically provide extensive access to network configuration and operational data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential data breaches and system compromise within enterprise network environments. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access confidential network configurations, user credentials, and operational data that administrators rely on for maintaining network security. The attack scenario involves an authenticated attacker who can leverage their administrative privileges to inject malicious payloads that persist across user sessions, potentially allowing for extended surveillance and data exfiltration activities. Organizations utilizing Cisco DCNM face significant risk of unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure, with potential consequences including network disruption, data loss, and compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Cisco's security patches and updates to address the input validation deficiencies in the web interface. Network administrators must conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of Cisco DCNM and ensure all administrative accounts maintain strong authentication controls. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent malicious script injection attempts. Regular monitoring of web interface access logs should be established to detect anomalous activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and establishing strict access control policies to minimize the risk of credential compromise. Organizations should align their remediation efforts with industry best practices such as those outlined in the CWE catalog for cross-site scripting vulnerabilities and ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and execution through web interfaces.