CVE-2002-1706 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco IOS software 11.3 through 12.2 running on Cisco uBR7200 and uBR7100 series Universal Broadband Routers allows remote attackers to modify Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) settings via a DOCSIS file without a Message Integrity Check (MIC) signature, which is approved by the router.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1706 affects Cisco IOS software versions 11.3 through 12.2 running on Cisco uBR7200 and uBR7100 series Universal Broadband Routers. This represents a significant security flaw in the implementation of DOCSIS protocol handling within Cisco's broadband routing infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from the router's failure to properly validate Message Integrity Check signatures in DOCSIS configuration files, creating an avenue for unauthorized modification of critical network settings.
This security weakness operates at the intersection of network protocol implementation and access control mechanisms, specifically targeting the DOCSIS specification which governs data transmission over cable networks. The technical flaw lies in the router's acceptance of DOCSIS configuration files without verifying their integrity through proper MIC signature validation. This allows remote attackers to craft malicious DOCSIS files that the router will process and approve as legitimate, effectively bypassing authentication and authorization controls that should protect against unauthorized configuration changes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables remote attackers to modify critical DOCSIS settings that control how the router handles cable modem communications. This could result in service disruption, unauthorized access to network resources, or even complete compromise of the broadband service delivery infrastructure. Attackers could potentially alter quality of service parameters, modify access controls, or redirect traffic through malicious configuration changes that would be accepted by the router without proper signature verification.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-347, which addresses improper verification of cryptographic signatures, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in network protocol handling. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over the network without requiring physical access or elevated privileges, making it accessible to remote threat actors. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and control communications and T1566 for credential access through network infrastructure manipulation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Cisco's security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to isolate affected routers, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous DOCSIS configuration changes. Additional protective measures include enabling proper access controls, regularly auditing router configurations, and establishing monitoring procedures for unauthorized changes to DOCSIS settings. The vulnerability underscores the importance of cryptographic integrity verification in network infrastructure components and highlights the critical need for proper protocol implementation in broadband access equipment.