CVE-2022-20673 in Common Services Platform Collector
Summary
by MITRE • 05/27/2022
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Common Services Platform Collector (CSPC) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the interface. These vulnerabilities are due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface. 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 interface or access sensitive, browser-based information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20673 affects Cisco Common Services Platform Collector software, specifically targeting its web-based management interface. This critical security flaw represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that undermines the integrity of user sessions and potentially compromises the entire administrative environment. The vulnerability exists within the software's input validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the browser context of authenticated users. The attack vector requires social engineering to convince victims to click malicious links, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages human trust rather than direct system exploitation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical weakness in web application security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the CSPC web interface. When users interact with the management console, the system fails to properly validate or escape data entered through various input fields, allowing malicious payloads to be stored or executed in the browser context. The flaw specifically affects the web-based management interface components that process user requests, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious URLs or input parameters that when executed, can execute arbitrary JavaScript code. This vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental web security principles and can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized administrative access. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious links that, when clicked by an authenticated user, execute scripts within the victim's browser session, potentially compromising the entire management interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-20673 extends beyond simple script execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete administrative compromise of the affected system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, access sensitive configuration data, or even escalate privileges within the management interface. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no prior credentials are required to initiate the exploitation process, making it particularly dangerous for environments where the web interface is accessible to untrusted users or exposed to external networks. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the CSPC management environment, potentially allowing attackers to modify system configurations, access logs, or extract sensitive operational data. The attack scenario typically involves phishing campaigns or social engineering tactics to entice users to click malicious links, making it difficult to defend against through traditional network security measures alone.
Organizations affected by CVE-2022-20673 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by Cisco, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and conducting thorough security assessments of the affected interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the web management interface to untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering attacks, particularly credential harvesting through phishing, and represents a critical gap in the organization's security posture that requires immediate attention. Additional mitigations include user education to recognize suspicious links, implementation of content security policies to prevent script execution, and regular monitoring for anomalous activity within the management interface. Security teams should also consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within their environment, as this type of input validation flaw is common across many software platforms and represents a persistent threat vector that requires ongoing vigilance and proactive security measures.