Authorization bypass in Cisco IOS and IOS XE software

1) Improper Authorization

EUVDB-ID: #VU81248

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 6.2 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-20186

CWE-ID: CWE-285 - Improper Authorization

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to gain unauthorized access to the device.

The vulnerability exists due to improper authorization checks within the Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) feature. A local user with level 15 privileges can bypass command authorization and copy files to or from the file system of an affected device using the Secure Copy Protocol (SCP).

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Cisco IOS: before 17.12.1

Cisco IOS XE: before 17.12.1

External links

http://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-aaascp-Tyj4fEJm
http://bst.cloudapps.cisco.com/bugsearch/bug/CSCwe55871

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

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