CVE-2023-20012 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in the CLI console login authentication of Cisco Nexus 9300-FX3 Series Fabric Extender (FEX) when used in UCS Fabric Interconnect deployments. This vulnerability could potentially allow an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to bypass authentication, leading to unauthorized access and possible denial of service conditions.

Understanding CVE-2023-20012

This section provides an understanding of the CVE-2023-20012 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20012?

CVE-2023-20012 is a security vulnerability affecting the Cisco Nexus 9300-FX3 Series Fabric Extender (FEX) used in UCS Fabric Interconnect deployments. The vulnerability specifically arises due to the improper implementation of the password validation function, enabling an attacker with physical access to bypass authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20012

The vulnerability can be exploited by an unauthorized individual to log in to the console port of the affected device and execute a limited set of commands. This unauthorized access could result in a device reboot and potentially lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition, impacting the availability of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20012

The following technical aspects outline the vulnerability in detail:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the CLI console login authentication allows an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access to the affected device, potentially leading to a denial of service situation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Cisco Unified Computing System (Managed) product is affected by this vulnerability. The specific version impacted is 'n/a'.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with physical access can exploit this vulnerability by logging in to the console port on the affected device, executing commands to disrupt the system's normal operation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-20012 and enhance overall security posture, the following mitigation strategies can be implemented:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable physical access to unauthorized individuals to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.
Ensure that only trusted personnel have access to sensitive infrastructure components.
Monitor system logs for any unusual login or command execution activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security policies and procedures to address emerging threats.
Conduct security awareness training for staff members to reinforce best practices for physical and logical access controls.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed on security advisories and apply patches as recommended by Cisco to remediate the vulnerability and safeguard the UCS Fabric Interconnect deployments from potential attacks.