CVE-2023-20110 Overview
A SQL injection vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem (SSM On-Prem) that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct SQL injection attacks on an affected system. This vulnerability exists because the web-based management interface inadequately validates user input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the application as a low-privileged user and sending crafted SQL queries to an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to read sensitive data on the underlying database.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker with low privileges can extract sensitive data from the underlying database through SQL injection, potentially exposing licensing information, credentials, and other confidential system data managed by SSM On-Prem.
Affected Products
- Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem (SSM On-Prem)
- Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem web-based management interface
- All versions prior to the security patch release
Discovery Timeline
- 2023-05-18 - CVE CVE-2023-20110 published to NVD
- 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-20110
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command), commonly known as SQL Injection. The flaw resides within the web-based management interface of Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries.
The attack requires network access and authentication with low-level privileges, but no user interaction is needed. While the vulnerability allows unauthorized read access to sensitive database contents, it does not permit modification or deletion of data, nor does it impact system availability. The confidentiality impact is significant as attackers can potentially access sensitive licensing data, user credentials, and other confidential information stored in the database.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2023-20110 is inadequate input validation in the web-based management interface. When processing user-supplied data, the application fails to properly sanitize or parameterize inputs before constructing SQL queries. This allows malicious SQL syntax to be interpreted as part of the query rather than as literal data, enabling attackers to manipulate database operations.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to have authenticated access to the SSM On-Prem web interface with at least low-privileged credentials. Once authenticated, the attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads targeting vulnerable input fields or parameters within the management interface.
The exploitation process involves:
- Authenticating to the SSM On-Prem web interface with valid low-privilege credentials
- Identifying vulnerable input fields that interact with the backend database
- Crafting SQL injection payloads to extract database contents
- Leveraging techniques such as UNION-based, blind, or error-based SQL injection to enumerate and exfiltrate sensitive data
Due to the authenticated nature of the vulnerability, exploitation requires the attacker to have obtained valid credentials through other means such as phishing, credential stuffing, or insider access.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-20110
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual database query patterns or errors in SSM On-Prem application logs
- Authentication events from unexpected IP addresses followed by abnormal data access patterns
- SQL error messages appearing in application responses or logs
- Large volumes of data transfers from the SSM On-Prem server to unexpected destinations
Detection Strategies
- Monitor SSM On-Prem web server logs for requests containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, UNION statements, or comment sequences
- Implement database activity monitoring to detect unusual query patterns or unauthorized data access
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block common SQL injection patterns
- Review authentication logs for suspicious login activity from low-privileged accounts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on the SSM On-Prem web interface and database components
- Configure alerts for failed SQL queries or database errors that may indicate injection attempts
- Monitor network traffic to and from the SSM On-Prem server for anomalous data exfiltration
- Implement user behavior analytics to detect unusual access patterns from authenticated users
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-20110
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patch provided by Cisco immediately to all affected SSM On-Prem installations
- Review user accounts and remove unnecessary low-privileged access to the web management interface
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the SSM On-Prem management interface
- Enable enhanced logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts
Patch Information
Cisco has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the Cisco Security Advisory for detailed patch information, affected version specifics, and upgrade guidance. The patch addresses the SQL injection vulnerability by implementing proper input validation and query parameterization in the web-based management interface.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to the SSM On-Prem web management interface using firewall rules or access control lists
- Implement a web application firewall (WAF) with SQL injection detection rules as a defense-in-depth measure
- Enforce strong authentication mechanisms and regularly rotate credentials for all user accounts
- Conduct regular audits of user access privileges and remove unnecessary accounts
# Example: Restrict access to SSM On-Prem management interface using iptables
# Allow management access only from trusted admin networks
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.10.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
