CVE-2023-20253 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-20253 article discusses a vulnerability found in the command line interface (cli) management interface of Cisco SD-WAN vManage that could potentially allow an authenticated, local attacker to bypass authorization and manipulate configurations on vManage controllers and edge router devices.

Understanding CVE-2023-20253

This section delves deeper into the details surrounding CVE-2023-20253, highlighting its nature and potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-20253?

CVE-2023-20253 is a vulnerability impacting Cisco SD-WAN vManage, where an attacker with low-privilege access to the command line interface (cli) could exploit improper access controls to roll back configurations on devices managed by the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20253

This vulnerability poses a significant security risk as it allows an attacker to bypass authorization and potentially disrupt or manipulate configurations on vManage controllers and edge router devices, compromising the integrity and availability of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20253

This section provides detailed technical information regarding CVE-2023-20253 to better understand the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper access control in the cli-management interface of Cisco SD-WAN vManage, enabling attackers with low-privilege access to roll back configurations on managed devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Numerous versions of Cisco SD-WAN vManage are affected by this vulnerability, ranging from 17.2.6 to 20.6.1.2, making a wide range of systems potentially vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with low-privilege access to the cli can send rogue requests to roll back device configurations, exploiting the lack of proper access controls to execute unauthorized actions on the managed devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-20253 is crucial in maintaining the security of Cisco SD-WAN vManage installations.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately applying patches released by Cisco to address the vulnerability is crucial. Additionally, limiting access to the CLI to only authorized personnel can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensuring regular security audits, monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes, and providing comprehensive cybersecurity training to staff can enhance the long-term security posture of the organization.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security advisories, promptly applying patches and updates released by vendors, and keeping systems up-to-date are essential practices to mitigate the risk of exposure to known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20253.