CVE-2023-20102 in Secure Network Analytics
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2023
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Secure Network Analytics could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system. This vulnerability is due to insufficient sanitization of user-provided data that is parsed into system memory. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system as the administrator user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2025
This vulnerability resides within Cisco Secure Network Analytics web-based management interface, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote code execution. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-provided data before processing. When the system parses this unsanitized data into system memory, it creates an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary commands with administrator privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the web interface component that handles HTTP request processing, making it accessible to attackers who can authenticate to the system. This authentication requirement reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk, as successful exploitation can occur through legitimate administrative access.
The technical flaw manifests as a classic command injection vulnerability where user-supplied input bypasses security controls designed to prevent malicious code execution. The insufficient sanitization allows attackers to manipulate the parsing logic that processes HTTP requests, enabling them to inject system commands that execute with the privileges of the administrator account. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection flaws respectively. The attack vector requires an authenticated session, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials before exploiting the vulnerability, though this does not significantly mitigate the risk given the potential for privilege escalation.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete control over the underlying operating system. The administrator user context grants extensive privileges including system configuration changes, data manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt network operations. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that maintain exposed management interfaces. Security teams face significant challenges in detecting such attacks, as legitimate administrative activities may mask malicious behavior.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of network segmentation controls to limit exposure of management interfaces. Organizations should enforce strict access controls and implement multi-factor authentication for administrative access to reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous HTTP request patterns and unusual administrative activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and sanitization in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network management systems. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection against similar injection attacks.