Cisco has raised the alarm about the availability of proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit code for a critical Cisco SSM bug that could allow malicious actors to change any user’s password on unpatched Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem (SSM On-Prem) license servers. The Cisco SSM bug, identified as CVE 2024 20419 is a vulnerability resulting from a flaw, in the password change verification process, within the authentication system of SSM On Prem.
The release of the exploit code has heightened concerns about the potential impact of the Cisco SSM bug. Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities to alter passwords remotely for administrator accounts without needing the credentials. This could allow them to gain entry, to the web interface or API using the compromised users privileges.
Mitigating the Risk of the Cisco SSM Bug
Cisco has highlighted the importance of upgrading to a patched version to protect SSM On Prem servers as there are currently no solutions, for affected systems. Although there have been no reported cases of exploitation in real world scenarios the presence of PoC code raises concerns, about security threats.
This new update follows a series of security issues that Cisco has dealt with in the few months. These include a weakness that enabled hackers to create users with access, on Security Email Gateway devices and a previously unknown vulnerability, in NX OS that attackers had been exploiting since April. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize timely patching and maintain a robust security posture to mitigate the risk posed by vulnerabilities like the Cisco SSM bug.
