CVE-2023-20022 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Cisco Identity Services Engine Privilege Escalation Vulnerabilities

Understanding CVE-2023-20022

Multiple vulnerabilities in specific Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) CLI commands could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform command injection attacks on the underlying operating system and elevate privileges to root.

What is CVE-2023-20022?

The vulnerabilities in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) CLI commands could be exploited by an attacker with valid Administrator privileges on the affected device. These vulnerabilities stem from insufficient validation of user-supplied input, allowing an attacker to submit a crafted CLI command to escalate privileges to root.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20022

If successfully exploited, these vulnerabilities could lead to an attacker gaining root privileges on the target system, potentially allowing them to manipulate the system and compromise sensitive information stored within.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20022

The following technical details outline the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities in specific Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) CLI commands enable an attacker to execute command injection attacks, leading to privilege escalation to root on the underlying operating system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Cisco
Product: Cisco Identity Services Engine Software
Versions: All versions are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with valid Administrator privileges on the affected device can exploit these vulnerabilities by submitting a crafted CLI command. Successful exploitation could result in the elevation of privileges to root.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-20022.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco recommends implementing the necessary security updates provided to address the vulnerabilities.
Restricting access to the affected systems and ensuring only authorized personnel have Administrator privileges can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security training for administrators and users to enhance awareness of security best practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.

Patching and Updates

Apply the patches and updates released by Cisco to address the vulnerabilities identified in the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) CLI commands. Regularly check for security advisories from Cisco to stay informed about potential security risks and necessary updates.