CVE-2024-20270 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the web-based management interfaces of Cisco BroadWorks Application Delivery Platform and Cisco BroadWorks Xtended Services Platform. This vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation, specifically a failure to adequately validate or sanitize input before rendering it in the interface. An authenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by persuading a legitimate user of the management interface to click on a crafted malicious link. Upon successful exploitation, arbitrary script code can be executed within the context of the affected web interface. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive browser-based information, session hijacking, or other malicious actions that compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the management interface. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Cisco BroadWorks, notably many builds of version 24.0 and some earlier versions such as 23.0, 22.0, and 21.x, as detailed extensively in the affectedVersions list. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.8, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N) shows that the attack requires network access, low attack complexity, high privileges (authenticated user), and user interaction (clicking a crafted link). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact is limited to low confidentiality and integrity impacts, with no availability impact. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication (January 17, 2024). The weakness is categorized under CWE-79, which corresponds to improper neutralization of input leading to XSS. Overall, this vulnerability represents a moderate risk primarily to administrators or users of the Cisco BroadWorks management interface who have authenticated access, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking or data exposure within the management context.

For European organizations using Cisco BroadWorks platforms, this vulnerability poses a risk to the security of their telecommunication management infrastructure. Since Cisco BroadWorks is widely deployed by service providers and enterprises for unified communications and voice services, exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive management information or session hijacking of privileged users. This could enable attackers to manipulate configuration settings, intercept communications, or pivot to other internal systems. The requirement for authenticated access and user interaction limits the attack surface to internal or trusted users, but social engineering or insider threats could facilitate exploitation. The changed scope indicates that the impact could extend beyond the immediate interface, potentially affecting other integrated systems. Confidentiality and integrity impacts, although rated low, are significant in the context of management interfaces controlling critical communication services. Disruption of these services could indirectly affect business operations and regulatory compliance, especially under stringent European data protection laws. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the widespread use of affected versions and the critical role of BroadWorks in communication services mean that European organizations should prioritize mitigation to prevent potential targeted attacks.

1. Immediate application of Cisco's security updates or patches addressing CVE-2024-20270 is the most effective mitigation. Organizations should verify their BroadWorks version and build and upgrade to a fixed version as recommended by Cisco advisories. 2. Restrict access to the BroadWorks web-based management interface to trusted networks and users only, employing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure. 3. Implement strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users accessing the management interface to reduce the risk of compromised credentials enabling exploitation. 4. Conduct user awareness training to recognize and avoid clicking on suspicious or unsolicited links, reducing the risk of social engineering attacks. 5. Employ web application firewalls (WAF) with rules tuned to detect and block XSS payloads targeting the management interface. 6. Monitor logs and user activity on the BroadWorks management interface for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Review and harden input validation and output encoding policies if customization or integration with other web components exists. 8. Limit privileges of users accessing the interface to the minimum necessary to reduce the impact of a compromised account. 9. Regularly audit and update security configurations and conduct penetration testing focusing on web interface vulnerabilities. These measures collectively reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation and limit potential damage.