CVE-2022-20656 in Evolved Programmable Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2024
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco PI and Cisco EPNM could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a path traversal attack on an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid credentials on the system.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of the HTTPS URL by the web-based management interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request that contains directory traversal character sequences to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to write arbitrary files to the host system. Cisco has released software updates that address these vulnerabilities. There are no workarounds that address these vulnerabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20656 resides within the web-based management interface of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco Enterprise Network Intelligence Module products, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary file operations on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the HTTPS URL handling mechanism within the web interface, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted requests to manipulate file system access patterns. The flaw stems from the system's failure to properly sanitize and validate user-supplied input, creating an avenue for attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy beyond intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker who possesses valid system credentials, establishing a baseline requirement that limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. Attackers can construct malicious HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation patterns that bypass the system's input validation controls. When processed by the vulnerable web interface, these crafted requests can be interpreted as legitimate file operations, enabling the attacker to write arbitrary files to the host system's file structure. This capability represents a significant escalation from simple information disclosure to full system compromise, as it allows for arbitrary code execution through file placement.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe security risk for organizations relying on Cisco's network management platforms, as it provides attackers with the ability to modify system files, install backdoors, or escalate privileges within the affected infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in the web-based management interface means that any system with remote access capabilities becomes a potential target, particularly in environments where administrative access is required for network monitoring and management tasks. The fact that Cisco has released software updates without providing workarounds indicates the severity of the issue and the need for immediate remediation across affected deployments.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-22 weakness category, which specifically addresses path traversal attacks and their potential for unauthorized file access and modification. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and broader privilege escalation categories, as successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise. Organizations should prioritize patch management initiatives to address this vulnerability, as the lack of viable workarounds means that the only effective mitigation strategy involves applying the vendor-provided security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation controls in web applications and highlights the potential consequences of insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data in management interfaces.