CVE-2019-1974 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security flaw in the online management interface of Cisco Unified Computing System Director could allow an attacker to bypass user authentication and gain administrative control over the device.

Understanding CVE-2019-1974

This CVE identifies a critical vulnerability in Cisco Unified Computing System Director that could lead to unauthorized access and control.

What is CVE-2019-1974?

A flaw in the authentication process of Cisco IMC Supervisor, UCS Director, and UCS Director Express for Big Data allows unauthenticated remote attackers to assume administrative roles.

The Impact of CVE-2019-1974

CVSS Base Score: 9.8 (Critical)
Attack Vector: Network
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High

Technical Details of CVE-2019-1974

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Inadequate validation of request headers during authentication
Allows attackers to send harmful requests and gain administrative control

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco Unified Computing System Director
Vendor: Cisco
Versions Affected: < 6.7.3.0 (Custom version)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacker sends a sequence of harmful requests to the vulnerable device

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent exploitation of CVE-2019-1974.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates immediately
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity
Restrict access to the affected systems

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware
Implement strong authentication mechanisms and access controls

Patching and Updates

Cisco has likely released patches to address this vulnerability
Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly