CVE-2023-20035 : What You Need to Know

This CVE details a vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software that could potentially allow a local, authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-20035

This vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software poses a significant security risk by enabling attackers to run commands on the underlying operating system with root-level privileges.

What is CVE-2023-20035?

The vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software arises due to insufficient input validation by the system CLI. Attackers with the right privileges could exploit this flaw to execute commands on the system with escalated privileges, potentially leading to a complete takeover.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20035

With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (High Severity), the impact of this vulnerability is serious. Attackers could gain unauthorized access, manipulate system commands, and compromise the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20035

This section delves deeper into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows authenticated, local attackers to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges by exploiting insufficient input validation by the system CLI in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Cisco IOS XE Software with no specified versions, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue across all relevant software versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to an affected device via local terminal access or a management shell interface, then submitting crafted input to the system CLI to execute unauthorized commands with elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing this vulnerability is crucial to enhance the security posture of affected systems and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest patched version of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement strong access controls to limit the exposure of the CLI to authenticated users with the minimum necessary privileges.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits, monitoring of system logs for suspicious activity, and security awareness training for users can help in preventing similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and promptly apply patches and updates to ensure the security of your systems and prevent potential exploits.