Description Preview
A vulnerability exists in the Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) feature of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with level 15 privileges to bypass command authorization checks when using Secure Copy Protocol (SCP). This vulnerability enables attackers to copy files to or from the affected device's file system, potentially allowing them to obtain or modify device configurations.
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2023-20186) affects the AAA feature in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. The root cause is incorrect processing of SCP commands during AAA command authorization checks. When exploited, an attacker with valid credentials and level 15 privileges can connect to the affected device using SCP from an external machine, bypassing the normal command authorization controls. This could result in unauthorized file transfers to and from the device, including sensitive configuration files. The vulnerability specifically impacts the command authorization mechanism when SCP is used, creating a security gap in the AAA framework that normally controls administrative actions on Cisco devices.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, administrators should:
- Update to the latest Cisco IOS or IOS XE Software version that contains the fix for CVE-2023-20186
- Follow Cisco's security advisory recommendations for specific product versions
- If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing these temporary mitigations:
- Disable SCP access if not required
- Implement strict access control lists to limit which hosts can connect to the device using SCP
- Monitor for unauthorized file transfer activities
- Ensure proper AAA configurations and regularly review administrative user privileges
- After patching, verify that command authorization is properly enforced for SCP operations
References
- Cisco Security Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-aaascp-Tyj4fEJm
- MITRE CVE Entry: CVE-2023-20186
- Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) contact: psirt@cisco.com
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.
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- InformationInformation
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- MiningMining
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- ConstructionConstruction
