CVE-2023-20171 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE involves multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) that could potentially allow an authenticated attacker to delete or read arbitrary files on the underlying operating system. To exploit these vulnerabilities, the attacker must possess valid credentials on an affected device.

Understanding CVE-2023-20171

This vulnerability, also known as "Cisco Identity Services Engine Arbitrary File Delete and File Read Vulnerabilities," was published on May 18, 2023, by Cisco.

What is CVE-2023-20171?

The CVE-2023-20171 vulnerability in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) enables an authenticated attacker to delete or read arbitrary files on the operating system. This requires the attacker to have valid credentials on the targeted device.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20171

The impact of this vulnerability is considered medium with a CVSS base score of 5.4 out of 10. While the confidentiality and integrity impact are low, it could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or disruption of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20171

The following details provide more insight into the nature of this vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to delete or read arbitrary files on the underlying operating system, posing a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of data stored on the affected device.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Cisco Identity Services Engine Software with the version specified as "n/a." This indicates that all versions of the software are susceptible to these vulnerabilities.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with valid credentials can exploit these vulnerabilities to manipulate files on the operating system, potentially causing data loss or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-20171, the following steps can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities:

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive systems and data.
Monitor file access and modifications for any suspicious activities.
Regularly review and update access controls and permissions on devices running Cisco Identity Services Engine.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance access control measures.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on the importance of strong password practices and cybersecurity awareness.

Patching and Updates

Cisco may release security patches or updates to address these vulnerabilities. It is recommended to apply these patches promptly to secure the affected systems and prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors.