CVE-2024-20332 in Identity Services Engine Software
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a server-side request forgery (SSRF) attack through an affected device.
This vulnerability is due to improper input validation for specific HTTP requests. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to send arbitrary network requests that are sourced from the affected device. To successfully exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need valid Super Admin credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20332 represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw within Cisco Identity Services Engine's web-based management interface. This issue resides in the platform's handling of HTTP requests and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and authorization processes within the ISE management interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the system's network communication behavior. The affected device operates as a central identity management solution that controls network access and security policies, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid Super Admin credentials, which establishes a baseline level of access within the system's permission hierarchy. This authentication requirement places the vulnerability within the context of privilege escalation and lateral movement attack vectors, as defined by the ATT&CK framework under techniques such as credential access and privilege escalation. The flaw manifests when the system fails to validate the origin and content of HTTP requests, allowing an authenticated user to craft malicious requests that bypass normal network restrictions. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate or sanitize external input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration, as it enables attackers to perform arbitrary network operations from the perspective of the affected ISE device. This capability allows malicious actors to potentially access internal network resources that would normally be restricted, including other network devices, servers, and databases that exist within the same administrative domain. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations relying on ISE for network access control, as it could enable unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the network access control system, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security policies and gain unauthorized network access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including strict access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring of HTTP traffic patterns for suspicious activity. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the number of Super Admin accounts and ensure that only authorized personnel maintain these elevated credentials. Network-based detection measures should be deployed to identify anomalous requests originating from the ISE device, particularly those that attempt to access internal resources. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws within the broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, as outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for secure software development.