A vulnerability in the Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP) feature of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to exhaust process memory of an affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient queue management for Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) packets. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted IGMP traffic to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause memory exhaustion, resulting in instability of other processes. These processes may include, but are not limited to, interior and exterior routing protocols. Cisco will release software updates that address this vulnerability.
This vulnerability is classified as high severity, with a CVSS score of 8.6. The risk to organizations includes potential system instability and service disruption, especially for critical network functions. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
As of now, the exploitation status indicates that crafted IGMP traffic could lead to a denial of service condition by exhausting the device's memory. The urgency for defenders is high, given the potential for significant impact on network operations.
Organizations using Cisco IOS XR should remain vigilant and apply the necessary updates as soon as they are available to ensure continued operational integrity.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that this vulnerability allows an attacker to exhaust process memory due to insufficient queue management for IGMP packets. The affected product is Cisco IOS XR, with a specific vulnerability affecting version 6.4.2.
The CVE was published on August 29, 2020, and is classified under CWE-400 and CWE-770, indicating potential resource exhaustion and insufficient input validation issues.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate management of IGMP packet queues. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted IGMP traffic to an affected device over the network. Given the low attack complexity and the lack of required privileges or user interaction, the risk is significantly heightened.
The availability impact of this vulnerability is high, as successful exploitation can lead to complete memory exhaustion, causing critical processes to fail. This can affect various routing protocols and overall network stability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk is significant, especially for organizations relying on Cisco IOS XR for critical network operations. The potential blast radius includes all network services dependent on the affected processes. Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation based on the CVSS score of 8.6, which indicates a high level of urgency.
Given that this vulnerability has been added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations must take immediate action to address it. The urgency for remediation should be aligned with the critical nature of the services impacted.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects Cisco IOS XR version 6.4.2. All versions prior to the vendor patch are considered vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Cisco has announced plans to release software updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions. If patches are not immediately available, organizations may consider implementing network controls to restrict IGMP traffic and monitor for anomalous behavior.
For ongoing security assessments, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of their security measures.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of IGMP traffic anomalies. Behavioral anomalies indicating excessive memory consumption should be analyzed. Network signatures related to IGMP traffic can also assist in identifying potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation and resource management in network protocols. Organizations should regularly review their security posture in light of emerging threats and vulnerabilities. For further insights, consider exploring our resources on vulnerability management programs and maintaining a proactive security stance through penetration testing methodologies that help identify and mitigate risks effectively.
Additionally, understanding the evolving landscape of cyber threats through comprehensive threat intelligence is crucial. For more details, refer to our blog on vulnerability assessment and penetration testing to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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