CVE-2021-1238 in FirePOWER Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2021
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the interface of an affected system. The vulnerabilities exist because the web-based management interface does not properly validate user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities 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.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2021
The Cisco Firepower Management Center represents a critical component in enterprise network security infrastructure serving as a centralized management platform for firewalls and intrusion prevention systems. This vulnerability affects the web-based management interface which serves as the primary administrative portal for configuring and monitoring security policies across the network. The affected system operates as a management console that provides administrators with comprehensive visibility and control over multiple firewalls and security devices, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise security infrastructure.
Multiple stored cross-site scripting vulnerabilities exist within the web interface due to inadequate validation of user-supplied input across various parameters and fields within the management console. The flaw stems from the web application's failure to properly sanitize and validate data entered through the interface before storing and rendering it in subsequent user sessions. This allows an authenticated attacker with valid credentials to inject malicious scripts that persist within the application's database or storage mechanisms. The vulnerabilities are classified as stored XSS because the malicious code is stored server-side and executed whenever an authenticated user accesses the affected interface components.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities requires an authenticated attacker who can leverage their valid credentials to inject malicious payloads through the web interface. Attackers can craft malicious links containing XSS payloads that, when clicked by an authenticated user, execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser context. This creates a persistent threat vector where malicious scripts can access sensitive browser-based information such as session cookies, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in the browser. The attack scenario typically involves social engineering tactics to convince administrators to click malicious links, potentially leading to complete compromise of the management interface.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond simple script execution as they provide attackers with elevated privileges within the security management environment. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to access sensitive configuration data, modify security policies, or establish persistent access points within the enterprise network. This threat vector directly impacts the CIA triad by potentially compromising confidentiality through data exfiltration, integrity through policy manipulation, and availability through potential denial-of-service conditions. The vulnerabilities are particularly concerning as they affect the very management interface that administrators rely upon for security operations, potentially creating a backdoor for further attacks within the network perimeter.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the web application codebase. Organizations should enforce strict access controls and implement role-based permissions to limit the scope of potential attacks. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon release, as these vulnerabilities were addressed through Cisco's security advisory. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious activities within the management interface. The ATT&CK framework categorizes these vulnerabilities under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing techniques, highlighting the need for both technical controls and user awareness training. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for management interface access and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications.