Alert essentials:

An old cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software’s WebVPN login page is being abused in the wild.

The vulnerability exists because the software does not sufficiently sanitize user-supplied input on the login page. Upgrade ASAs to the most recent software version.

 

Email Team

 

Detailed threat description:

Insufficient input validation could enable a cross-site scripting attack in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances (ASAs) from an unauthenticated remote attacker. The manufacturer tracks this flaw from 2014 as Bug ID CSCun19025.

The authors of the Python malware AndroxGh0st have been observed utilizing a long list of security vulnerabilities, including CVE-2014-2120, in various internet-facing applications.

This medium vulnerability allows unprotected traffic into systems by convincing users to click on a maliciously crafted link. After that, unauthenticated, remote threat actors conduct cross-site scripting attacks that disrupt operations by crashing and reloading devices. Threat actors use the opportunity to upload arbitrary files and malicious code to ensure persistence on the server for further attacks.

In 2014, Cisco advised customers to contact their regular support channels for a patched software version. However, CISA added the weakness to its known exploitable vulnerabilities list after attempted exploitation was discovered in the wild in November 2024.

Cisco customers who wish to upgrade to a software version that includes fixes for these issues should contact their regular support channels.

Organizations relying on third-party support for Cisco products are urged to consult their service providers to ensure that any applied fixes suit their specific network configurations.

There are no workarounds to address this vulnerability.

 

Impacts on healthcare organizations:

Many healthcare agencies depend on continuous network access for telemedicine, remote diagnostics, and administrative tasks.

Exploitation of this vulnerability could cause network disruptions, impacting patient care and delaying critical services.

If attackers gain control of an ASA device, they could pivot within the network to compromise other systems, potentially gaining access to medical devices, databases, and IT infrastructure.

Proactive mitigation measures and robust cybersecurity practices are essential to minimize the risks associated with this vulnerability. For example, multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be used, and WebVPN access can only be restricted to essential users.

 

Affected Products / Versions:

This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Cisco ASA Software when WebVPN is enabled and the login page is exposed to untrusted networks.

CVE
CVE-2014-2120

 

Recommendations

Engineering recommendations:

  • Ensure all Cisco ASA devices are updated with the latest patches to address CVE-2014-2120
  • Limit access to the WebVPN interface by using IP access control lists (ACLs) or exposing the service only to trusted networks
  • Use web application firewalls (WAFs) and perform regular penetration testing to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities
  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and restrict WebVPN access to essential users only
  • Conduct regular audits and monitor network activity for signs of unauthorized access or abnormal behavior


Leadership/ Program recommendations:

  • Prompt patching and adherence to security best practices are crucial to mitigate the impact
  • Develop and regularly test incident response plans to ensure quick action during a breach
  • Restrict access to sensitive systems and data by segmenting networks and applying least privilege principles

Fortified recommends applying patches and updates where possible and only after adequate testing in a development environment to ensure stability and compliance with organizational change management policies.

 

References: