CVE-2020-3400 in IOS XE
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web UI feature of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to utilize parts of the web UI for which they are not authorized.The vulnerability is due to insufficient authorization of web UI access requests. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to the web UI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to utilize parts of the web UI for which they are not authorized. This could allow a Read-Only user to perform actions of an Admin user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-3400 represents a critical authorization flaw within Cisco IOS XE Software's web user interface implementation. This issue affects network devices running IOS XE software that includes the web UI feature, creating a path for authenticated remote attackers to escalate their privileges and access unauthorized functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of access controls within the web interface, specifically failing to properly verify user permissions before granting access to administrative functions. Attackers exploiting this weakness can leverage crafted HTTP requests to bypass normal authorization mechanisms and gain elevated privileges beyond their assigned user roles.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2020-3400 occurs through the manipulation of web UI access requests, where the system fails to adequately authenticate and authorize user actions. This authorization bypass allows attackers to perform operations that should only be accessible to administrative users, effectively transforming a read-only user account into a privileged administrative account. The vulnerability specifically targets the web UI component of IOS XE software, which is commonly used for device management and configuration tasks. This flaw enables attackers to execute unauthorized administrative functions including but not limited to configuration changes, system modifications, and access to sensitive device information that should remain restricted to authorized administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of affected Cisco devices. A successful exploit could enable attackers to modify device configurations, disable security features, or gain persistent access to network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on web UI interfaces for device management, potentially exposing critical network assets to unauthorized modification and compromise. Network administrators may find their devices vulnerable to unauthorized access, leading to potential data breaches, service disruption, or complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that attackers do not require physical access to devices, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise networks and service provider environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-3400 should focus on immediate software updates and access control hardening measures. Cisco has released patches addressing this vulnerability through security advisories, and organizations should prioritize applying these updates to all affected devices. Network administrators should implement additional access controls including disabling unnecessary web UI features, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring access logs for suspicious activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit access to affected devices and implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar authorization flaws in network infrastructure components.