CVE-2024-20437 in IOS XE
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2024
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to perform a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attack and execute commands on the CLI of an affected device.
This vulnerability is due to insufficient CSRF protections for the web-based management interface of an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading an already authenticated user to follow a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to perform arbitrary actions on the affected device with the privileges of the targeted user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20437 represents a critical cross-site request forgery weakness within Cisco IOS XE Software's web-based management interface. This flaw resides in the insufficient implementation of CSRF protection mechanisms that should safeguard against unauthorized command execution through web interfaces. The vulnerability specifically affects devices running Cisco IOS XE Software where the web management interface is enabled and accessible to unauthenticated users. The security implications extend beyond simple web interface exposure since the flaw enables command execution directly on the device's command line interface, potentially allowing attackers to perform administrative actions without proper authentication.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious links or web pages that, when clicked by an authenticated user, trigger unintended actions on the affected device. This type of attack leverages the trust relationship between the web interface and the device, where legitimate user sessions are hijacked to execute commands without the user's knowledge or consent. The flaw demonstrates a failure in implementing proper anti-CSRF token validation mechanisms that should be present in all web applications handling administrative functions. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in web applications. The attack vector requires user interaction through a crafted link, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass traditional network-based security controls that focus on perimeter defense rather than client-side session management.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20437 is severe and multifaceted across enterprise network environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on the affected device with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to complete device compromise. The remote and unauthenticated nature of the attack means that network administrators cannot rely on traditional access control measures to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability does not require initial authentication to the device itself. This weakness creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited from anywhere on the internet, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure, modify device configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of network operations since unauthorized command execution can disrupt network services or compromise sensitive data within the device's configuration.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations that address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying architectural weaknesses in their network management practices. The primary recommended mitigation involves applying the latest security patches from Cisco that address the CSRF protection deficiencies in the web-based management interface. Additionally, network administrators should disable web-based management interfaces when not actively required, implement network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, and enforce strict access controls through multi-factor authentication and role-based permissions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized configuration changes. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for both application-level defenses and endpoint detection capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions that can detect and block CSRF attack patterns, particularly those targeting administrative web interfaces. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in web applications can lead to significant operational security breaches.