CVE-2020-3158 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in the High Availability (HA) service of Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to access a sensitive part of the system with a high-privileged account.

Understanding CVE-2020-3158

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem that could lead to unauthorized access and potential data compromise.

What is CVE-2020-3158?

The vulnerability in Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem allows attackers to exploit a default and static password associated with a system account, granting unauthorized access to sensitive system areas.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3158

The vulnerability poses a critical threat, with a CVSS base score of 9.8, allowing attackers to gain high-privileged access to system data and configurations without requiring any user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3158

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem stems from a default and static password in a system account, enabling unauthorized access to critical system components.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem
Vendor: Cisco
Version: Unspecified

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the default account to connect to the affected system, potentially gaining read and write access to sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3158 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Change default passwords and implement strong, unique credentials for all accounts.
Monitor system logs for any unauthorized access attempts.
Apply vendor-recommended security patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Cisco may release patches or updates to address the vulnerability; ensure timely installation to secure the system.