CVE-2019-1863 : Security Advisory and Response

Cisco Integrated Management Controller Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2019-1863

This CVE involves a weakness in the web-based management interface of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) Software that could allow an authorized remote attacker to modify system configurations without proper authorization.

What is CVE-2019-1863?

The vulnerability arises from inadequate enforcement of authorization, enabling an attacker to send a crafted HTTP request to the affected software and potentially make unauthorized modifications to critical system configurations.

The Impact of CVE-2019-1863

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow a user with only read-only privileges to perform unauthorized changes to critical system configurations as if they had administrator privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-1863

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Cisco IMC Software allows an authenticated remote attacker to make unauthorized changes to system configurations due to insufficient authorization enforcement.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco Unified Computing System E-Series Software (UCSE)
Vendor: Cisco
Versions Affected: Less than 2.0(13o)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Integrity Impact: High
Base Score: 6.5 (Medium Severity)

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly.
Monitor Cisco's security advisories for any new information or updates regarding this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update access control policies for critical systems.
Conduct security training for staff to raise awareness of social engineering tactics.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected Cisco IMC Software is updated to a version that addresses this vulnerability.