CVE-2017-12229: A vulnerability in the REST API of the web-based user interface (web UI) of Cisco IOS XE 3.1 through 16.5 could allow an unauthenticated, remote attac...

Description

A vulnerability in the REST API of the web-based user interface (web UI) of Cisco IOS XE 3.1 through 16.5 could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication to the REST API of the web UI of the affected software. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation for the REST API of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a malicious API request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass authentication and gain access to the web UI of the affected software. This vulnerability affects Cisco devices that are running a vulnerable release of Cisco IOS XE Software, if the HTTP Server feature is enabled for the device. The newly redesigned, web-based administration UI was introduced in the Denali 16.2 Release of Cisco IOS XE Software. This vulnerability does not affect the web-based administration UI in earlier releases of Cisco IOS XE Software. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCuz46036.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

5.12%

91.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Ios Xe	3.1.3as
Cisco	Ios Xe	3.2.0ja
Cisco	Ios Xe	3.2.1xo
Cisco	Ios Xe	3.4.7asg
Cisco	Ios Xe	3.6.5be
Cisco	Ios Xe	3.8.0ex
Cisco	Ios Xe	3.18.3vs
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.1.1
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.1.2
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.1.3
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.1.3a
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.1.4
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.2.1
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.2.2a
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.3.1a
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.5.1a
Cisco	Ios Xe	16.5.1c

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101032Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039447Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20170927-restapiVendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101032Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039447Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20170927-restapiVendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Sep 29, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-12229?

A vulnerability in the REST API of the web-based user interface (web UI) of Cisco IOS XE 3.1 through 16.5 could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication to the REST API of the web UI of the affected software. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation for the REST API of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a malicious API request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass authentication and gain access to the web UI of the affected software. This vulnerability affects Cisco devices that are running a vulnerable release of Cisco IOS XE Software, if the HTTP Server feature is enabled for the device. The newly redesigned, web-based administration UI was introduced in the Denali 16.2 Release of Cisco IOS XE Software. This vulnerability does not affect the web-based administration UI in earlier releases of Cisco IOS XE Software. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCuz46036.

How severe is CVE-2017-12229?

Severity scoring for CVE-2017-12229 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 5.12% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-12229?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.