CVE-2023-20263 in HyperFlex HX Data Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2023
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to redirect a user to a malicious web page.
This vulnerability is due to improper input validation of the parameters in an HTTP request. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to redirect a user to a malicious website.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20263 represents a significant security weakness within the web-based management interface of Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform, a hyperconverged infrastructure solution designed for enterprise data centers. This flaw specifically resides in the platform's handling of HTTP request parameters within its web interface, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate user navigation and potentially execute phishing attacks or deliver malware through social engineering techniques. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an alternate execution scope, commonly known as cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, though this particular instance manifests as a redirection rather than script injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize or verify the parameters included in HTTP requests processed by the web interface. When a user interacts with a specially crafted link that contains malicious redirection parameters, the system's insufficient validation allows the attacker to manipulate the intended destination of the user's browser navigation. This type of flaw typically occurs when the application does not properly validate or encode user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic content or redirect responses, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can influence the application's behavior. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its unauthenticated nature, meaning that no prior access credentials or privileged positions are required to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users regularly interact with management interfaces.
The operational implications of CVE-2023-20263 extend beyond simple redirection attacks, as it creates a potential vector for more sophisticated social engineering campaigns and phishing operations. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to redirect users to malicious websites that appear legitimate, potentially harvesting credentials or delivering malware to the targeted organization's network. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations using Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform, where administrators and users may be targeted through carefully crafted links delivered via email, instant messaging, or other communication channels. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects the web-based management interface, which is typically accessible from various network locations and may be exposed to external traffic, increasing the potential attack surface for exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to the affected web interface, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious HTTP requests, and conducting comprehensive user awareness training to identify potential phishing attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest that standard network security controls may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, requiring additional layers of protection such as endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for unusual redirection patterns or suspicious browser behavior. Security teams should also consider implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to the management interface, as the vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication and can be automated at scale. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1566 technique for Social Engineering, specifically targeting the initial access phase through phishing or malicious web content delivery, making it a critical concern for enterprise security posture management and incident response planning.