CVE-2023-20170 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability found in a specific Cisco Identity Services Engine Software, which could potentially allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute command injection attacks on the underlying operating system, leading to privilege escalation to root. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have Administrator-level privileges on the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2023-20170

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-20170, shedding light on what the vulnerability entails, its potential impact, and how it can be mitigated.

What is CVE-2023-20170?

CVE-2023-20170 is a security flaw in a particular Cisco ISE CLI command that enables an authenticated, local attacker to carry out command injection attacks on the underlying operating system. By exploiting this vulnerability through a crafted CLI command, an attacker could elevate their privileges to root due to inadequate validation of user-supplied input.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20170

The impact of CVE-2023-20170 can be significant as it allows an attacker with valid Administrator-level privileges on the affected device to escalate their privileges to root. This could lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and potential disruption of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20170

This section provides a detailed overview of the technical aspects related to CVE-2023-20170, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of user-supplied input in a specific Cisco ISE CLI command, enabling attackers to execute command injection attacks and achieve privilege escalation to root.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product in this CVE is the Cisco Identity Services Engine Software, with the specific version impacted noted as "N/A."

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-20170, an attacker must be authenticated, local, and have valid Administrator-level privileges on the target device. By submitting a crafted CLI command, the attacker can execute command injection attacks and elevate their privileges to root.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of the CVE-2023-20170 vulnerability, it is crucial for organizations to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk and implement long-term security practices to prevent such incidents in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability promptly.
Restrict access to privileged accounts and regularly review user permissions to minimize the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic and system logs for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit the capabilities of potential attackers in the network.
Educate employees on best security practices, such as avoiding executing unknown commands or scripts on devices.

Patching and Updates

Cisco may release security advisories and patches to address CVE-2023-20170. Organizations should regularly check for updates from Cisco's official sources and apply patches as soon as they are available to safeguard their systems against potential exploits.