CVE-2020-3589 in Identity Services Engine
Summary
by MITRE • 10/08/2020
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Software 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 exists because the web-based management interface does not properly validate user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious code into specific pages of the interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the interface or access sensitive, browser-based information. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to have valid administrative credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-3589 affects Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) software and represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within its web-based management interface. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability specifically impacts the administrative web interface of Cisco ISE, which serves as the primary management console for network access control policies and user authentication services. Organizations relying on Cisco ISE for identity management and network security face significant risks when this vulnerability remains unpatched, as it creates a pathway for authenticated attackers to compromise the management interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid administrative credentials, which establishes a baseline for the attack vector. However, the flaw itself creates a dangerous condition where legitimate administrative users can be targeted through malicious code injection techniques. When an attacker successfully injects malicious scripts into specific pages of the interface, the vulnerable code execution environment allows for arbitrary script execution within the context of the web interface. This creates a persistent threat where the malicious code can operate with the privileges and permissions of the authenticated administrative user. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution to include potential data exfiltration and information disclosure, as attackers can access sensitive browser-based information that may include session tokens, configuration details, or other privileged data.
The operational implications of CVE-2020-3589 are severe for organizations using Cisco ISE, as it undermines the fundamental security posture of their network access control systems. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for extended reconnaissance and privilege escalation activities. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish footholds within the network management infrastructure, potentially leading to broader compromise of the entire ISE deployment. The attack surface is particularly concerning because ISE systems typically serve as central points for network authentication and authorization, making successful exploitation a critical security event. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and it maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 category for scripting and T1566 for credential access through web applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates to address the vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative interface access can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of the web-based management interfaces should be conducted to identify similar validation flaws. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts can reduce the risk of credential compromise. Security teams should also deploy web application firewalls and input validation controls to prevent malicious code injection attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input sanitization and output encoding practices in web application development, particularly for administrative interfaces that handle sensitive configuration data and authentication information.