Authentication bypass in Cisco REST API Container for IOS XE

1) Improper Authentication

EUVDB-ID: #VU20494

Risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-12643

CWE-ID: CWE-287 - Improper Authentication

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to bypass authentication process.

The vulnerability exists due to an improper check performed by the area of code that manages the REST API authentication service. A remote attacker can submit malicious HTTP requests to the targeted device, obtain the token-id of an authenticated user, bypass authentication and execute privileged actions through the interface of the REST API virtual service container.

This vulnerability affects the following devices that are configured to use a vulnerable version of Cisco REST API virtual service container:

• Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers
• Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers
• Cisco Cloud Services Router 1000V Series
• Cisco Integrated Services Virtual Router

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Cisco IOS XE: 15.5.3 S3.16 - 16.6.5

External links

http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20190828-iosxe-rest-auth-bypass

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.