CVE-2004-0352 in Content Services Switch
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco 11000 Series Content Services Switches (CSS) running WebNS 5.0(x) before 05.0(04.07)S, and 6.10(x) before 06.10(02.05)S allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reset) via a malformed packet to UDP port 5002.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0352 affects Cisco 11000 Series Content Services Switches operating with specific versions of WebNS software, representing a critical denial of service weakness that could compromise network infrastructure availability. This flaw manifests when the affected switches process malformed packets sent to UDP port 5002, a port typically used for specific network services within the Cisco content switching environment. The vulnerability impacts devices running WebNS 5.0.x versions prior to 05.0(04.07)S and 6.10.x versions before 06.10(02.05)S, indicating a widespread issue affecting multiple software releases within Cisco's content services platform.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper input validation within the WebNS software stack that governs the CSS devices' packet processing capabilities. When a remote attacker crafts and transmits a malformed packet specifically designed to exploit the UDP port 5002 service, the switch's processing routine fails to properly handle the malformed data structure, leading to an unexpected system state that results in a complete device reset. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of inadequate input sanitization that can be exploited through network-based attacks. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient validation of network inputs can lead to system instability and complete service disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can result in significant network downtime and potential business disruption for organizations relying on these content switching services. Network administrators may experience unexpected device resets that could go unnoticed for extended periods, potentially leading to extended service outages while recovery procedures are implemented. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries need not have physical access to the network infrastructure, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which describes network denial of service attacks that target network infrastructure components.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official Cisco software updates and patches that address the specific input validation issues in the WebNS software. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to the patched versions of WebNS software, specifically versions 05.0(04.07)S for 5.0.x releases and 06.10(02.05)S for 6.10.x releases. Network segmentation and access control measures should also be implemented to limit exposure, including firewall rules that restrict access to UDP port 5002 from untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed packet patterns targeting this specific vulnerability will enhance overall network security posture and provide early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts.