CVE-2021-35486: Nokia IMPACT CSRF Vulnerability

CVE-2021-35486 Overview

A Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability has been identified in Nokia IMPACT, the company's IoT platform solution, through version 19.11.2.10-20210118042150283. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to import and overwrite the entire application configuration by exploiting missing CSRF token validation in the /ui/rest-proxy/entity/import endpoint.

The core issue stems from inadequate validation of CSRF protection mechanisms. Specifically, neither the X-CSRF-NONCE HTTP header nor the CSRF-NONCE cookie is properly validated, enabling attackers to craft malicious requests that can completely compromise application configurations when executed by authenticated users.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can fully import and overwrite application configurations, potentially leading to complete compromise of IoT infrastructure management systems without requiring any authentication of their own.

Affected Products

• Nokia IMPACT IoT Platform through version 19.11.2.10-20210118042150283
• Nokia IMPACT REST API endpoints, specifically /ui/rest-proxy/entity/import
• Organizations using Nokia IMPACT for IoT device management and orchestration

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-03 - CVE-2021-35486 published to NVD
• 2026-03-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2021-35486

Vulnerability Analysis

This CSRF vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper anti-CSRF token validation in the Nokia IMPACT platform's configuration import functionality. The /ui/rest-proxy/entity/import endpoint accepts configuration import requests without verifying the authenticity of the request origin.

When an authenticated administrator browses to a malicious website while logged into the Nokia IMPACT platform, an attacker can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized actions. The attack exploits the trust relationship between the user's browser and the Nokia IMPACT server, using the administrator's existing session to import malicious configuration data.

The impact is particularly severe because successful exploitation allows attackers to completely overwrite the application's configuration, potentially affecting all connected IoT devices, network settings, user permissions, and security policies managed through the platform.

Root Cause

The vulnerability originates from improper implementation of CSRF protections in the Nokia IMPACT web application (CWE-352). While the application includes CSRF protection mechanisms (X-CSRF-NONCE header and CSRF-NONCE cookie), these tokens are not properly validated on the server side for the configuration import endpoint.

This represents a common implementation flaw where CSRF infrastructure exists but enforcement is missing for critical functionality. The configuration import feature, which should require strict origin verification due to its sensitive nature, was left unprotected.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker must trick an authenticated Nokia IMPACT administrator into visiting a malicious webpage or clicking a crafted link. The attack flow typically involves:

1. Attacker identifies a target organization using Nokia IMPACT
2. Attacker crafts a malicious webpage containing a hidden form or JavaScript that submits a configuration import request to the /ui/rest-proxy/entity/import endpoint
3. The malicious payload includes attacker-controlled configuration data
4. When a logged-in administrator visits the malicious page, their browser automatically includes session cookies with the forged request
5. The Nokia IMPACT server accepts the request without validating CSRF tokens, importing the attacker's configuration

Since the vulnerability does not require the X-CSRF-NONCE header or CSRF-NONCE cookie to be present or valid, the forged request bypasses all CSRF protections. This allows the attacker to import arbitrary configuration data, potentially including malicious device profiles, altered network settings, or modified access controls.

Detection Methods for CVE-2021-35486

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected configuration changes in Nokia IMPACT platform without corresponding audit trail entries from legitimate administrators
• Configuration import operations originating from unusual IP addresses or at abnormal times
• Web server logs showing POST requests to /ui/rest-proxy/entity/import without valid X-CSRF-NONCE headers
• Reports of administrators experiencing unusual browser behavior or redirects while logged into Nokia IMPACT

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP request logs for the /ui/rest-proxy/entity/import endpoint, specifically analyzing requests lacking proper CSRF token headers
• Implement anomaly detection for configuration changes that occur without corresponding administrative login activity from expected sources
• Deploy web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block CSRF-style attacks targeting import functionality
• Enable comprehensive audit logging for all configuration modifications within Nokia IMPACT

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure alerting for any configuration import operations outside of scheduled maintenance windows
• Implement network-level monitoring for connections from Nokia IMPACT to unexpected external resources that could indicate configuration tampering
• Establish baseline configuration snapshots and automated comparison tools to detect unauthorized modifications
• Review Nokia IMPACT access logs regularly for signs of session hijacking or unusual administrative actions

How to Mitigate CVE-2021-35486

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Nokia IMPACT to a patched version that properly validates CSRF tokens on all sensitive endpoints
• Implement additional network-level access controls to restrict access to the /ui/rest-proxy/entity/import endpoint to trusted IP addresses only
• Enforce multi-factor authentication for all administrative access to Nokia IMPACT
• Train administrators on CSRF attack vectors and safe browsing practices when logged into administrative interfaces
• Conduct an audit of current configuration settings to verify no unauthorized modifications have occurred

Patch Information

Organizations should consult Nokia's security advisories and support channels for patched versions of the IMPACT platform. For detailed information about this vulnerability and remediation guidance, refer to the Gruppo TIM Impact Analysis. Security issues can be reported through the Nokia Responsible Disclosure Policy.

For more information about the affected product, see the Nokia IoT Platform Overview.

Workarounds

• Implement a reverse proxy or web application firewall in front of Nokia IMPACT that validates CSRF tokens for all state-changing requests
• Restrict administrative access to Nokia IMPACT to dedicated management networks isolated from general internet browsing
• Use separate browser profiles or dedicated browsers exclusively for Nokia IMPACT administration to reduce CSRF attack surface
• Configure session timeouts to minimize the window of opportunity for CSRF attacks

Organizations using Nokia IMPACT should implement strict network segmentation to limit exposure of the management interface and ensure administrators follow security best practices when accessing the platform.