Major Security Risk: Attackers Exploit Cisco Software Used in Company Networks

🚨Major Security Risk: Attackers Exploit Cisco Software Used in Company Networks

A new warning has been issued for businesses and organizations using Cisco's Identity Services Engine (ISE). Security experts have discovered that hackers are actively attacking weak spots in this software, and if your system is not updated, attackers could gain full control.

What is Cisco ISE?

Cisco ISE is a security tool that helps businesses manage who is allowed into their internal computer systems. It checks the identity of users and devices before allowing them access. Many Nigerian businesses and institutions use Cisco products for network control, making this issue especially important to understand.

What's the Problem?

Researchers found serious weaknesses in Cisco ISE and its related software. These weaknesses are called vulnerabilities. Hackers have started taking advantage of them to break into systems without needing any password or login information. Once inside, they can control the whole system like an administrator.

What Can Hackers Do With This?

If your Cisco ISE is affected and not updated, hackers can:

• Run harmful commands on your server.

• Install malicious files that give them ongoing control.

• Gain full access as a “root” user, which is the highest level of access.

• Avoid detection by using the same tools the system uses for trusted users.

How Are These Attacks Happening?

There are three main problems (security experts call them CVEs):

1. Improper Input Checking
   Some APIs (the parts of the software that talk to other software) are not checking input correctly. Hackers can send specially crafted commands and run programs as if they were administrators.

2. File Upload Trick
   In some versions, an attacker can upload a file and place it in a sensitive part of the system. Once the file is there, they can run it to gain full access.

3. Lack of Validation
   The software fails to block dangerous files from being uploaded, allowing an attacker to bypass security protections.

Who Is at Risk?

Any organization using Cisco ISE or ISE-PIC and hasn’t updated their software is at risk. This includes:

• Banks and financial institutions

• Government agencies

• Universities and private schools

• Hospitals and medical centers

• Internet service providers and large businesses

What Should You Do?

If you are managing a system using Cisco ISE:

• Update your software immediately. Cisco has released new versions that fix the problem.

• Check your system logs. Look for strange activity, like unknown users, unexpected file uploads, or abnormal API requests.

• Limit external access. Don’t expose the system to the internet unless absolutely necessary.

• Talk to your security team. Make sure everyone is aware of the risk and the steps taken to reduce it.

Staying updated and informed is key to protecting your network, especially with these types of high-risk flaws.