CVE-2023-20271 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-20271 was assigned by Cisco and published on January 17, 2024. It involves a vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM), allowing an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct SQL injection attacks on affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2023-20271

This section will provide an overview of CVE-2023-20271, highlighting the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

What is CVE-2023-20271?

CVE-2023-20271 is a vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM). It enables an authenticated, remote attacker to execute SQL injection attacks due to improper validation of user-submitted parameters. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data stored in the underlying database.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20271

The impact of this vulnerability is considered medium with a CVSS base score of 6.5. An attacker could potentially compromise the confidentiality of the data stored in the affected system. The attack vector is through the network, and the attack complexity is low with low privileges required.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20271

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20271, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco EPNM is attributed to improper validation of user-submitted parameters, leading to SQL injection attacks by authenticated, remote attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple versions of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco EPNM are affected by this vulnerability. A wide range of versions from 2.0 to 6.1.2 have been identified as vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the application and sending malicious requests to the affected system. Through SQL injection attacks, the attacker can access and manipulate sensitive information stored in the underlying database.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the necessary steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-20271 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security patches provided by Cisco promptly to address the vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should monitor their systems for any unusual activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict security protocols, such as input validation and parameter sanitization, to prevent SQL injection attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest patches and software updates released by Cisco to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Regularly check for security advisories and apply patches as soon as they are available to enhance system security.