Finding Cisco IOS-XE devices with runZero
An actively exploited critical zero-day vulnerability has surfaced in the Cisco IOS-XE operating system, which is used on Cisco routers, switches, and other devices. Deemed “critical” in severity with a CVSS score of 10 out of 10, this vulnerability affects any device running Cisco IOS-XE with the Web UI component enabled.
What is the impact? #
Upon successful exploitation, this vulnerability (tracked as CVE-2023-20198) can allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable system. This includes the creation of privileged users, installation of additional modules or code, and, in general, total system compromise.
Are updates or workarounds available? #
As of October 16th, 2023, software updates are not available. Cisco recommends disabling the Web UI component of all Internet-facing IOS-XE devices.
How do I find potentially vulnerable Cisco IOS-XE devices with runZero? #
From the Services Inventory, use the following query to locate assets running the Cisco IOS-XE operating system in your network that expose a web interface and which may need remediation or mitigation:
(products:nginx OR products:openresty) AND _asset.protocol:http AND protocol:http AND http.body:"window.onload=function%url%=%/webui"
Additional fingerprinting research is ongoing, and additional queries will be published as soon as possible.
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Rob King is a Principal Researcher at runZero. Over his career Rob has served as a senior researcher with KoreLogic, the architect for TippingPoint DVLabs, and helped get several startups off the ground. Rob helped design SC Magazine's Data Leakage Prevention Product of the Year for 2010, and was awarded the 3Com Innovator of the Year Award in 2009. He has been invited to speak at BlackHat, Shmoocon, SANS Network Security, and USENIX.
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