CVE-2023-20039: Security Vulnerability in Cisco IND Software Allows Local Attackers to Access Sensitive Application Data

A recent security vulnerability (CVE-2023-20039) has been identified in Cisco Industrial Network Director (IND) software that could potentially allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain unauthorized access and read application data. This vulnerability has been discovered due to insufficient default file permissions set for the application data directory. Exploiting this vulnerability might allow attackers to view sensitive information stored within the application, thereby compromising security.

Vulnerability Details

The Cisco IND software is designed to provide network operators with enhanced visibility and control over their industrial Ethernet networks, especially in sectors like manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and transportation. With a user-friendly graphical interface, operators can easily manage and monitor their networks. Unfortunately, the recently discovered vulnerability poses a serious risk to the security and privacy of the application data managed by Cisco IND.

The issue arises from the insufficient default file permissions set for the application data directory. Attackers with local access to the system can exploit this vulnerability by accessing the files stored in the application data directory. As a result, they can view sensitive information, which may be misused for illegitimate purposes.

To better understand the vulnerability, let's consider a code snippet that demonstrates how the default file permissions are set up:

//Create the application data directory
File dataDir = new File("application_data_directory");
if (!dataDir.exists()) {
    //Create the directory
    dataDir.mkdir();

    //Set the default file permissions (insufficient)
    dataDir.setWritable(true, false);
    dataDir.setReadable(true, false);
}

The above code snippet showcases how the default permissions are set by the software, allowing unauthorized local attackers to access critical application data.

Affected Software

This vulnerability affects all versions of Cisco IND software up to and including version 1.6.. To determine the software version in use, users can navigate to the "About" page in the Cisco IND software web interface.

Solution and Mitigations

Cisco has released software updates to address this vulnerability and it is recommended that users upgrade to the latest applicable release to secure their systems. The following table lists the fixed software versions that address this vulnerability:

| Cisco IND Software Version | Fixed Software Version |
|----------------------------|-------------------------|
| 1.5.x | 1.5.3 |
| 1.6.x | 1.6.1 |

Please refer to Cisco's official security advisory for additional details: Cisco Security Advisory

As of now, there are no workarounds available to address this vulnerability directly. However, users can take additional security measures to limit the access and exposure of their Cisco IND installations by implementing robust access control policies and employing network segmentation.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-20039 vulnerability poses a significant threat to the security and privacy of application data in Cisco IND software, as it allows local attackers to access sensitive information. Organizations using the affected software should promptly upgrade to the fixed software versions provided by Cisco and implement additional security measures to protect their systems.

Stay safe and protect your critical application data by keeping your software updated and following security best practices.

Timeline

Published on: 11/15/2024 15:20:49 UTC