Cisco Identity Services Engine Software: Improper Protection of Alternate Path
CVE-2023-20272 is a high-severity improper protection of alternate path vulnerability in Cisco Identity Services Engine Software from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Cisco Identity Services Engine Software versions: 3.0.0; 3.0.0 p1; 3.0.0 p2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.89% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 60% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Cisco Identity Services Engine Software you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on sec.cloudapps.cisco.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Cisco Identity Services Engine Software | 3.0.0; 3.0.0 p1; 3.0.0 p2; 3.0.0 p3; 3.0.0 p4; 3.0.0 p5; 3.0.0 p6; 3.0.0 p7; and 4 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | Identity Services Engine | 3.0.0; 3.1 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 6.7 | Medium | CNA (cisco.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to upload malicious files to the web root of the application. This vulnerability is due to insufficient file input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading a malicious file to the web interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to replace files and gain access to sensitive server-side information.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Protection of Alternate Path
The product does not sufficiently protect all possible paths that a user can take to access restricted functionality or resources.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Deploy different layers of protection to implement security in depth.
More Improper Protection of Alternate Path vulnerabilities (CWE-424)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Identity Services Engine Software
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Recent Improper Protection of Alternate Path vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
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