CVE-2024-20414 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2024
A vulnerability in the web UI feature of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attack on an affected system through the web UI.
This vulnerability is due to incorrectly accepting configuration changes through the HTTP GET method. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a currently authenticated administrator to follow a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to change the configuration of the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2025
This vulnerability resides within the web user interface functionality of Cisco IOS and IOS XE software versions, representing a critical security weakness that enables unauthorized configuration modifications through improper HTTP request handling. The flaw specifically manifests when the system incorrectly processes configuration changes submitted via the HTTP GET method, which violates fundamental web security principles and creates an exploitable vector for cross-site request forgery attacks. The vulnerability affects Cisco's network infrastructure devices that utilize web-based management interfaces, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of critical network operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the web UI's failure to properly validate and authenticate HTTP GET requests containing configuration parameters. According to CWE-352, this represents a classic cross-site request forgery vulnerability where the application accepts requests that should be validated through POST methods or additional authentication mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that, when executed by an authenticated administrator, silently submit configuration changes to the affected device. This misconfiguration of HTTP method handling creates a dangerous precedent where legitimate administrative functions become accessible through unsecured GET requests that can be triggered automatically through various attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, potentially enabling attackers to compromise network security posture through unauthorized modifications to device settings, access controls, and network policies. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could disable security features, modify routing configurations, alter access controls, or redirect network traffic without detection. The attack requires minimal privileges from the attacker's perspective since only an authenticated administrator session is needed to trigger the malicious configuration changes, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is limited but still present. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad, specifically compromising integrity and availability of network infrastructure through unauthorized configuration modifications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper HTTP method validation and enforcing strict authentication mechanisms for all configuration changes. Organizations should immediately apply Cisco's security patches and updates to address this vulnerability, while also implementing additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary web UI access, implementing network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious configuration changes. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1566 which addresses social engineering attacks through web-based exploitation, requiring comprehensive security awareness training for administrators to recognize and avoid suspicious links. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication factors and privileged access management solutions to reduce the impact of successful CSRF attacks. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper web application security design principles and the necessity of adhering to secure coding practices that prevent unauthorized access to critical system functions through improper HTTP request handling mechanisms.