How To Mitigate CVE-2024-20255 - Cisco Expressway Series and Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server

Spirity Security Advisor
2 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

CVE-2024-20255 is a vulnerability that affects the SOAP API of Cisco Expressway Series and Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server. It allows unauthenticated, remote attackers to perform cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks on affected systems. To mitigate this vulnerability, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Update Software

Ensure that your Cisco Expressway Series and Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server are running the latest software version. Cisco regularly releases updates that address known vulnerabilities.

Visit the Cisco Security Advisory for the latest patches and updates.
Follow the instructions provided in the advisory for applying the updates.

2. Implement CSRF Protection

To prevent CSRF attacks, implement CSRF tokens in your application. This involves:

Generating a unique token for each user session.
Including this token in all state-changing requests made to the SOAP API.
Validating the token on the server side before processing any requests.

3. Restrict API Access

Limit access to the SOAP API by implementing the following measures:

Use firewall rules to restrict access to the API only from trusted IP addresses.
Consider using VPNs to secure access to the API from remote locations.

4. Monitor Logs and Alerts

Regularly monitor logs for unusual activity that may indicate an attempted CSRF attack:

Set up alerts for suspicious API requests.
Review logs for any unauthorized access attempts.

5. Educate Users

Educate users about the risks of CSRF attacks and best practices for maintaining security:

Encourage users to log out of the system when not in use.
Advise on recognizing phishing attempts that may lead to CSRF vulnerabilities.

6. Conduct Regular Security Audits

Perform regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks:

Engage third-party security professionals to conduct penetration testing.
Review and update security policies regularly.

Conclusion

By following these mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation of CVE-2024-20255 and enhance the overall security posture of their Cisco Expressway Series and Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server environments.