CVE-2023-20201 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record discusses multiple vulnerabilities found in the web-based management interface of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM). These vulnerabilities could potentially allow authenticated remote attackers to carry out a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack on users of the interface on affected devices.

Understanding CVE-2023-20201

This section delves into the details regarding the nature of the CVE-2023-20201 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20201?

CVE-2023-20201 refers to multiple vulnerabilities discovered in the web-based management interface of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco EPNM. These vulnerabilities stem from inadequate validation of user-supplied input, making it possible for attackers to execute malicious scripts aimed at the affected devices.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20201

The impact of this CVE lies in its potential to enable attackers to conduct stored cross-site scripting attacks, thereby executing arbitrary script code within the context of the affected interface. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information and compromise the affected devices’ security.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20201

In this section, we will dive into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20201, including vulnerability descriptions, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities in question arise due to insufficient validation of user input within the web-based management interfaces of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco EPNM. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by tricking users into interacting with malicious HTML or script content, potentially leading to unauthorized script execution and data access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Numerous versions of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco EPNM are affected by CVE-2023-20201. The extensive list includes various versions ranging from 2.0 to 6.1 for both products, highlighting the widespread impact of these vulnerabilities.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-20201, attackers must possess valid credentials to access the web-based management interface of the targeted devices. By leveraging the insufficient validation of user input, malicious actors can execute stored cross-site scripting attacks, compromising the security of affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-20201, focusing on immediate actions to be taken, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should prioritize enhancing user awareness regarding potential phishing attempts and malicious content. Implementing stringent access controls and ensuring the use of secure passwords can also help mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforcing regular security audits, conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments, and staying informed about emerging threats are essential long-term practices to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Cisco may release security patches and updates to address the vulnerabilities disclosed in CVE-2023-20201. Organizations are advised to promptly apply these patches and keep their systems up-to-date to fortify their defense mechanisms against potential attacks.