CVE-2023-20231 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-20231, a vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco IOS XE Software that could potentially be exploited by an authenticated, remote attacker for injection attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-20231

CVE-2023-20231 is a security vulnerability found in the web UI of Cisco IOS XE Software. This flaw could allow a remote attacker with authentication to execute injection attacks on a targeted device. The issue stems from inadequate input validation within the software.

What is CVE-2023-20231?

The vulnerability in the Cisco IOS XE Software's web UI allows an attacker to send manipulated input to the interface, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary Cisco IOS XE Software CLI commands with elevated privileges. It's important to note that successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires access to Lobby Ambassador account credentials, which are not enabled by default.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20231

If exploited, CVE-2023-20231 could result in severe consequences. An attacker could execute unauthorized commands with administrative permissions on the affected Cisco IOS XE Software, compromising the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20231

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco IOS XE Software arises from inadequate input validation, enabling attackers to trigger injection attacks by sending crafted input to the interface.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple versions of the Cisco IOS XE Software are susceptible to this vulnerability, with a long list of affected versions ranging from 16.12.4 to 17.9.2b.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-20231, an attacker must obtain Lobby Ambassador account credentials and then manipulate input within the web UI, allowing them to execute unauthorized CLI commands with elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-20231, appropriate mitigation strategies and preventive measures need to be implemented to safeguard against potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco recommends monitoring for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities within the network.
It is crucial to restrict access to valuable systems and data, especially for accounts with elevated privileges.
Regularly review logs and audit trails for any anomalous behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict password policies and consider multi-factor authentication to enhance access control.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Cisco to deploy patches promptly.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has released security updates and patches to address CVE-2023-20231. It is highly recommended to apply these patches as soon as possible to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.