CVE-2024-20326
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated low-privileged local attackers to read and write arbitrary files as root on affected Cisco systems. It affects ConfD CLI and Cisco Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator CLI due to improper authorization enforcement. Attackers can exploit specific CLI commands with crafted arguments to gain root-level file access.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco ConfD CLI
- Cisco Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator CLI
📦 What is this software?
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator by Cisco
View all CVEs affecting Crosswork Network Services Orchestrator →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise: attacker gains root access, can read sensitive files (passwords, configurations), write malicious files, install backdoors, or disrupt services.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation leading to data theft, configuration manipulation, or persistence establishment by authenticated malicious insiders or compromised low-privilege accounts.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to strict access controls, monitoring, and network segmentation preventing lateral movement even if local exploitation occurs.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access and knowledge of affected CLI commands.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Cisco advisories for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-cnfd-rwpesc-ZAOufyx8
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco security advisories for affected versions. 2. Download and apply appropriate patches from Cisco. 3. Restart affected services/systems as required. 4. Verify patch application.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict CLI Access
linuxLimit access to CLI interfaces to only necessary administrative users
# Use access control lists or role-based access controls
# Example: configure user permissions in system configuration
Monitor CLI Commands
linuxImplement logging and monitoring of CLI command execution
# Enable audit logging for CLI sessions
# Example: configure logging for command execution
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can access CLI interfaces
- Monitor and audit all CLI command execution for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against Cisco advisories and verify if running affected software versions.Check Version:
# Check ConfD version: show version
# Check NSO version: show versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch installation through version checks and test that vulnerable commands no longer allow unauthorized file access.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual CLI command execution patterns
- File access attempts via CLI commands
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - focus on local system monitoring
SIEM Query:
Search for CLI command execution patterns matching vulnerable commands or unusual file access attempts🔗 References
- https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-cnfd-rwpesc-ZAOufyx8
- https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-nso-rwpesc-qrQGnh3f
- https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-cnfd-rwpesc-ZAOufyx8
- https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-nso-rwpesc-qrQGnh3f
