A vulnerability in the TLS library of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to exhaust the available memory of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper management of memory resources during TLS connection setup. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly triggering the conditions that cause the memory increase. This could be done in a variety of ways, such as by repeatedly attempting Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) authentication when local EAP is enabled on an affected device or by using a machine-in-the-middle attack and resetting TLS connections between the affected device and other devices.
A successful exploit could allow the attacker to exhaust the available memory on an affected device, resulting in an unexpected reload and a denial of service (DoS) condition. With a CVSS score of 7.4, this vulnerability is classified as high severity, warranting immediate attention from security teams.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential disruption and maintain service availability. The risk to organizations includes significant downtime and potential data loss, making it critical to address this vulnerability promptly.
The vulnerability has been published in the Cisco advisory, and while exploitation details are currently scarce, the potential impact underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring network devices.
Vulnerability Details
A vulnerability in the TLS library of Cisco IOS XE Software allows an unauthenticated adjacent attacker to exhaust available memory. The CVSS score is 7.4, indicating high severity due to the potential for denial of service.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the improper management of memory resources during the setup of TLS connections. The attack vector is adjacent network access, with low complexity required for exploitation. No privileges or user interaction are necessary, and the availability impact is rated high, as successful exploitation could lead to memory exhaustion and device reload.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk from this vulnerability is significant, especially for organizations utilizing Cisco IOS XE Software in critical operations. The potential for service disruption due to memory exhaustion highlights the vulnerability's relevance in operational contexts. Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation based on device configurations and network architecture.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch are affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Cisco. Implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected devices can reduce exposure. Additionally, continuous monitoring of device logs for unusual memory usage patterns is recommended. For further security enhancements, organizations may consider continuous security testing to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Security teams should monitor for abnormal memory usage events in affected devices. Logging indicators related to TLS connection setups and authentication attempts should be captured for analysis. Monitoring tools should be configured to identify behavioral anomalies consistent with this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing risks associated with memory management in network devices. As attackers continuously seek to exploit weaknesses, organizations must implement robust security measures. For more insights, organizations can refer to our guides on penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design to strengthen their security posture. Furthermore, understanding the latest trends in ransomware targeting can provide additional context for proactive defense strategies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)