Exploiting Cisco IMC Virtual Keyboard – Redirecting Users to Malicious Websites

Cisco has issued a critical security advisory warning customers of a vulnerability in the Integrated Management Controller (IMC) affecting the Virtual Keyboard Video Monitor (vKVM) feature. The flaw, uncovered during internal security testing, centers on improper verification of vKVM endpoints.

If left unpatched, it could allow an unauthenticated attacker to redirect unsuspecting users to malicious websites, opening the door to credential theft or broader compromises. Cisco states that no workarounds exist and urges immediate upgrades to fixed software versions.

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class="wp-block-heading" id="how-the-vulnerability-can-be-exploited">How the Vulnerability Can Be Exploited

The issue arises from the way Cisco IMC handles connections from the virtual keyboard client. Because endpoint verification is insufficient, an attacker could craft a malicious link and persuade a victim to click it.

Once triggered, the vKVM session would redirect the user to an attacker-controlled web page. Unlike sophisticated exploits that require privilege escalation or deep intrusion, this attack relies solely on social engineering and basic user interaction, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors.

Security experts warn that, although current intelligence indicates no active exploitation, the simplicity of the attack model significantly heightens the potential danger.

By compromising what appears to be a trusted management session, attackers could intercept login credentials, plant malware, or use the foothold to pivot into more sensitive parts of corporate infrastructure.

Reach Across Cisco’s Data Center Portfolio

What makes this vulnerability particularly concerning is its broad reach across Cisco’s product ecosystem. The affected vKVM client exists not only in standalone IMC implementations but also as part of the UCS Manager software used in enterprise-scale data center deployments.

Cisco confirms that multiple platforms are exposed, including UCS B-Series Blade Servers, C-Series Rack Servers (M6 through M8), X-Series Modular Systems, and the Catalyst 8300 Series uCPE.

Furthermore, appliances such as the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC), Cisco Catalyst Center, HyperFlex systems, Security Analytics appliances, and Secure Firewall Management Centers are also impacted if the IMC web interface is exposed.

This broad footprint means that enterprises relying on Cisco UCS or integrated platforms for mission-critical operations must take urgent action to assess their exposure and implement patches as soon as possible.

Fixes and Customer Guidance

Cisco has already released patched versions across its software families. For UCS Manager, the flaw is remediated in 4.2(3p) and 4.3(6a). For C-Series servers, updates are included in release 4.2(3o) and 4.3(5.250001).

Catalyst 8300 platforms require an upgrade to NFVIS 4.18.1, while X-Series systems are secured from release 5.0(4i) upward.

Specific appliances, such as the Secure Firewall Management Center or Secure Malware Analytics devices, require the application of dedicated firmware packages and hotfixes provided by Cisco.

Since no mitigation workarounds exist, administrators are strongly advised to schedule immediate upgrades. Customers with active service contracts can access the fixed images through standard support channels.

Those without contracts are directed to contact Cisco TAC for assistance. Although there is no evidence of malicious exploitation so far, the high-impact nature of the flaw means organizations should act decisively to prevent attackers from leveraging a simple redirect mechanism to stage potentially dangerous intrusions.

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