Description
A vulnerability in an API of Cisco ISE could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands as the root user on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insecure deserialization of user-supplied Java byte streams by the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted serialized Java object to an affected API. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the device and elevate privileges. Note: To successfully exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid read-only administrative credentials. In a single-node deployment, new devices will not be able to authenticate during the reload time.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-2152
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-2152 affects the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) software. It allows an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands as the root user on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insecure deserialization of user-supplied Java byte streams by the affected software.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 9.9 (CVSS:3.1)
- Vector: AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:H
The high base score indicates a critical vulnerability. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), the attack complexity is low (AC:L), and the attacker requires low privileges (PR:L). The impact on confidentiality is low (C:L), but the impact on integrity and availability is high (I:H, A:H). The scope change (S:C) indicates that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initial security scope.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attack: The attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network.
- Authenticated Access: The attacker must have valid read-only administrative credentials to exploit the vulnerability.
Exploitation Methods:
- Crafted Serialized Java Object: The attacker sends a specially crafted serialized Java object to the affected API.
- Arbitrary Command Execution: Upon successful exploitation, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the device with root privileges.
- Privilege Escalation: The attacker can elevate their privileges to gain full control over the affected device.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Cisco Identity Services Engine Software and Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector:
- Cisco Identity Services Engine Software:
- 3.1.0 p9, 3.2.0 p5, 3.0.0 p6, 3.1.0 p5, 3.0.0 p4, 3.0.0 p1, 3.2.0 p1, 3.1.0 p6, 3.0.0 p2, 3.1.0 p4, 3.1.0, 3.1.0 p1, 3.2.0 p2, 3.3 Patch 3, 3.0.0 p8, 3.3.0, 3.3 Patch 1, 3.0.0 p7, 3.1.0 p2, 3.2.0 p4, 3.2.0 p3, 3.1.0 p3, 3.1.0 p8, 3.1.0 p7, 3.2.0 p6, 2.7.0 p8, 3.0.0 p5, 3.2.0, 3.0.0 p3, 3.3 Patch 2
- Cisco ISE Passive Identity Connector:
- 3.2.0, 3.0.0, 3.1.0, 3.3.0
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Access Control: Ensure that only trusted users have read-only administrative credentials.
- Network Segmentation: Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks.
- Monitoring: Implement enhanced monitoring for suspicious activities on affected devices.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Patch Management: Apply the latest patches and updates from Cisco as soon as they are available.
- Configuration Review: Review and harden the configuration of Cisco ISE deployments.
- User Training: Educate users on the risks associated with this vulnerability and best practices for credential management.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Cisco ISE for network access control and policy enforcement. Given the widespread use of Cisco ISE in enterprise environments, the potential impact includes:
- Compromised Network Security: Attackers could gain unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure.
- Data Breaches: Sensitive information could be exposed or exfiltrated.
- Service Disruptions: Essential services could be disrupted, leading to operational downtime.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Insecure Deserialization: The vulnerability arises from the insecure handling of Java byte streams during deserialization.
- Exploitation: The attacker crafts a malicious serialized Java object that, when deserialized, executes arbitrary commands with root privileges.
Detection and Response:
- Log Analysis: Review logs for unusual activities, especially those related to API calls and deserialization processes.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect and alert on suspicious network traffic targeting the affected API.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and implement an incident response plan tailored to this vulnerability, including steps for containment, eradication, and recovery.
References:
- Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco Security Advisory
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and comprehensively, organizations can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and ensure the integrity and availability of their network infrastructure.