CVE-2023-20048
Published: 01 November 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-20048 is a critical-severity Improper Privilege Management (CWE-269) vulnerability in Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center. Its CVSS base score is 9.9 (Critical).
Operationally, ranked in the top 10.6% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-24227
Vulnerability details
A vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute certain unauthorized configuration commands on a Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) device that is managed by the FMC Software.…
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This vulnerability is due to insufficient authorization of configuration commands that are sent through the web service interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the FMC web services interface and sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute certain configuration commands on the targeted FTD device. To successfully exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need valid credentials on the FMC Software.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Policy addresses roles, responsibilities, and privilege management to prevent improper privilege assignments.
Access supervision ensures privileges are assigned and managed without improper escalation or retention.
Assigning group/role memberships and access authorizations (privileges) while reviewing accounts addresses improper privilege management.
The small, testable reference monitor reduces the likelihood of incorrect authorization implementations.
Certification evaluates whether authorization decisions are correctly implemented and enforced.
Periodic review and documentation of connection needs reduces incorrect authorization.
Restricting who can perform changes helps ensure privileges are managed properly rather than assigned broadly.
Manages privileges by authorizing only approved personnel and supervising those lacking required authorizations for maintenance.