CVE-2022-20938 in FirePOWER Management Center
Summary
by MITRE • 11/16/2022
A vulnerability in the module import function of the administrative interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to view sensitive information. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of the XML syntax when importing a module. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by supplying a specially crafted XML file to the function. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to read sensitive data that would normally not be revealed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20938 resides within the administrative interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center software, specifically within the module import functionality. This represents a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of the system's access controls and data protection mechanisms. The flaw manifests in the insufficient validation processes applied to XML syntax during module import operations, creating an avenue for unauthorized data exposure that could compromise the entire security posture of the network infrastructure.
This vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input sanitization and validation within the XML processing pipeline of the FMC administrative interface. The system fails to adequately validate the structure and content of XML files submitted for module import, allowing maliciously crafted XML documents to bypass normal security checks. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, which directly relates to the insufficient XML syntax validation that enables the exploitation. When an attacker supplies a specially crafted XML file, the system processes it without proper sanitization, potentially exposing sensitive information that should remain protected within the system's secure boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive data that may include configuration details, user credentials, system parameters, or other confidential information typically restricted to authorized administrators. This exposure could enable attackers to gain deeper insights into the network infrastructure, potentially facilitating more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, or targeted exploitation of other system components. The remote nature of the attack means that an authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage.
The security implications of CVE-2022-20938 align with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and defense evasion. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to collect sensitive data that might include system configurations, user accounts, or other administrative information that could be used to further compromise the network. The vulnerability also represents a potential pathway for attackers to establish persistence or escalate privileges within the network environment. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Cisco, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the FMC administrative interface, and conducting thorough security assessments of all module import functionalities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on strengthening input validation processes, implementing proper XML parsing security measures, and establishing robust access controls for administrative interfaces. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious import activities, while also ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the administrative functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing and validation of all input processing functions, particularly those that handle external data formats such as XML. Organizations should also review their overall security posture and implement layered defense mechanisms to protect critical infrastructure components from similar vulnerabilities that could compromise their network security infrastructure.