CVE-2023-20173 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE relates to multiple vulnerabilities found in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). These vulnerabilities could potentially allow an authenticated, remote attacker to read arbitrary files or conduct a server-side request forgery (SSRF) attack through the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2023-20173

This section will cover the key details regarding CVE-2023-20173, including its description, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20173?

CVE-2023-20173 involves XML External Entity Injection Vulnerabilities in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). An attacker with valid Administrator credentials on the affected device could exploit these vulnerabilities to read arbitrary files or launch an SSRF attack.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20173

The impact of these vulnerabilities is considered medium with a base severity score of 4.9. The confidentiality of the affected systems is at high risk, while the integrity and availability are not significantly impacted. As of the advisory publication date, there have been no public announcements or reported malicious activities related to these vulnerabilities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20173

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20173, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves XML External Entity Injection in the Cisco Identity Services Engine web-based management interface, allowing unauthorized access to system files and potential SSRF attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Cisco Identity Services Engine Software, with all versions being impacted by these vulnerabilities.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-20173, an attacker needs valid Administrator credentials on the targeted Cisco Identity Services Engine device. Unauthorized access can lead to file reading and SSRF attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps that users and organizations can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-20173.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates provided by Cisco to remediate the vulnerabilities.
Restrict network access to the affected systems to limit exposure to potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of unauthorized file access or SSRF attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems from potential threats.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Check the Cisco advisory "20230517 Cisco Identity Services Engine XML External Entity Injection Vulnerabilities" for detailed guidance on installing patches and updates to fix the vulnerabilities identified in CVE-2023-20173.