CVE-2022-20861 in Nexus Dashboard
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2022
Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Nexus Dashboard could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands, read or upload container image files, or perform a cross-site request forgery attack. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20861 represents a critical security flaw within Cisco Nexus Dashboard software that exposes organizations to significant remote attack surface risks. This vulnerability affects Cisco Nexus Dashboard versions prior to 3.10.0 and 3.11.0, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote attackers to compromise systems through multiple attack vectors. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the dashboard's container management functionality, particularly in how it handles container image file operations and cross-site request forgery protections. These weaknesses collectively create a dangerous environment where attackers can escalate privileges without authentication, undermining the fundamental security assumptions of the platform.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability encompasses several distinct attack methods that leverage different aspects of the software's architecture. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the affected system through improper handling of container image uploads, which allows for code injection attacks that bypass standard security controls. The vulnerability also enables unauthorized file reading operations, potentially exposing sensitive container image files that may contain credentials, configuration data, or other confidential information. Additionally, the cross-site request forgery component allows attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users, though the initial exploitation does not require authentication. This multi-vector approach significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact of the vulnerability, as it can be exploited through various combinations of these attack methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-20861 extends beyond simple command execution, creating substantial risks for organizations relying on Cisco Nexus Dashboard for container orchestration and network management. Organizations may experience complete compromise of their containerized environments, leading to data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The ability to upload malicious container images creates persistent threat vectors that can remain undetected for extended periods, while the arbitrary command execution capability allows attackers to establish persistent backdoors or deploy additional malware. The cross-site request forgery vulnerability particularly threatens organizations where dashboard users may be tricked into visiting malicious sites, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized administrative actions. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog, specifically addressing weaknesses in input validation, access control, and secure coding practices.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, beginning with updating to the latest supported versions of Cisco Nexus Dashboard that contain patches for these specific issues. The recommended remediation includes applying the vendor-provided security patches and implementing network segmentation to limit access to the dashboard interface. Security teams should also conduct thorough network monitoring to detect any suspicious activity related to container image uploads or command execution attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, restricting access to the dashboard through network access controls, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of container images to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, T1566 for credential access through social engineering, and T1078 for valid accounts usage, making it particularly dangerous for organizations without proper defensive measures in place.