Description Preview
A vulnerability in the key-based SSH authentication feature of Cisco StarOS Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to elevate privileges on an affected device. This vulnerability (CVE-2023-20046) is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied credentials. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a valid low-privileged SSH key to an affected device from a host that has an IP address that is configured as the source for a high-privileged user account. If successful, the attacker could log in to the affected device through SSH with elevated privileges.
Overview
This vulnerability (CWE-522: Insufficiently Protected Credentials) affects the key-based SSH authentication mechanism in Cisco StarOS Software. The issue stems from inadequate validation of user credentials during the SSH authentication process. Specifically, the system fails to properly validate the privilege level associated with SSH keys when the connection originates from certain IP addresses. An attacker with valid low-privilege credentials could potentially gain high-privilege access by connecting from a host IP address that is configured as a source for a high-privileged user account. This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized administrative access to affected Cisco StarOS devices.
Remediation
- Apply the latest security updates provided by Cisco for StarOS Software.
- Implement the workarounds specified in the Cisco Security Advisory (cisco-sa-staros-ssh-privesc-BmWeJC3h).
- Review and restrict SSH access to trusted hosts only.
- Implement network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces.
- Monitor for suspicious SSH login attempts, particularly those that might indicate privilege escalation.
- Consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication where possible.
- Regularly audit user accounts and privileges to ensure proper access control.
References
- Cisco Security Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-staros-ssh-privesc-BmWeJC3h
- MITRE CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/522.html
- NIST National Vulnerability Database: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-20046
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
