CVE-2024-20367 in Enterprise Chat and Email
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
A vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco Enterprise Chat and Email (ECE) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the interface.
This vulnerability exists because the web UI does not properly validate user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected interface or access sensitive, browser-based information. To successfully exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need valid agent credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20367 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Enterprise Chat and Email (ECE) web interface components. This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic XSS vulnerability that has plagued web applications for decades. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input within the web UI layer, creating an attack vector where malicious code can be injected and executed in the context of authenticated user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables authenticated remote attackers to conduct sophisticated XSS attacks against legitimate users of the ECE interface. The attack requires an attacker to possess valid agent credentials, which limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk since credential compromise can occur through various means including phishing, credential stuffing, or insider threats. The exploitation mechanism involves crafting malicious links that, when clicked by an authenticated user, execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the user's browser context, potentially allowing attackers to hijack sessions, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the victim.
Security implications extend beyond simple script execution as this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks within the target environment. The ability to execute code in the context of the web interface opens possibilities for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network. According to MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 (Scripting) and T1566 (Phishing) where attackers can leverage the XSS capability to establish persistent access or harvest credentials from the victim's browser session. The attack vector specifically aligns with T1531 (Account Access Removal) and T1071.001 (Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols) when considering how attackers might use the compromised interface to further their objectives.
Organizations utilizing Cisco ECE should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls to prevent malicious content from being processed within the web interface. The recommended approach involves implementing proper content security policies, sanitizing all user inputs, and employing anti-XSS libraries or frameworks that can detect and neutralize malicious script attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should also be deployed to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security training for users to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious links can significantly reduce the attack surface, as the vulnerability requires user interaction through crafted links to be successfully exploited.