CVE-2023-20223 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-20223 pertains to a vulnerability found in Cisco DNA Center that could potentially allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to access and manipulate data in a repository associated with an internal service on the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2023-20223

The vulnerability in Cisco DNA Center is caused by inadequate access control enforcement on API requests. By sending a specifically crafted API request to the affected device, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability. If successfully exploited, the attacker could gain unauthorized access to read and modify data managed by an internal service on the affected device.

What is CVE-2023-20223?

CVE-2023-20223 is a security vulnerability discovered in Cisco DNA Center, which could enable an unauthorized remote attacker to access and manipulate data within a repository linked to an internal service on the affected device.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20223

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as high, with a base score of 8.6 in terms of severity. If exploited, the attacker could potentially compromise the confidentiality of data handled by the internal service, albeit with low impacts on integrity and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20223

The vulnerability is specifically related to Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center) across various versions. The affected versions include 2.2.1.3, 2.2.2.3, 2.2.2.4, 2.2.2.5, 2.2.2.6, 2.2.2.8, 2.2.2.9, 2.2.3.3, 2.2.3.4, 2.2.3.5, 2.2.3.6, 2.3.3.4, 2.3.3.5, 2.3.3.6, and 2.3.3.7.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper access control measures on API requests within Cisco DNA Center, allowing unauthorized users to access and modify data intended for internal services.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Cisco
Product: Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center)
Affected Versions: 2.2.1.3, 2.2.2.3, 2.2.2.4, 2.2.2.5, 2.2.2.6, 2.2.2.8, 2.2.2.9, 2.2.3.3, 2.2.3.4, 2.2.3.5, 2.2.3.6, 2.3.3.4, 2.3.3.5, 2.3.3.6, 2.3.3.7

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specifically crafted API request to the affected device, bypassing the insufficient access control mechanisms in place and gaining unauthorized access to manipulate internal service data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-20223, it is crucial to implement immediate steps for mitigation and establish long-term security practices to safeguard against such vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Employ network segmentation to restrict access to critical resources.
Apply access control lists to limit unauthorized API requests.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware to eliminate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Educate users and administrators about security best practices and protocols.

Patching and Updates

Cisco may release patches or updates to address CVE-2023-20223. It is imperative to apply these patches promptly to secure affected systems and prevent exploitation by potential attackers.