CVE-2007-2587 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
The IOS FTP Server in Cisco IOS 11.3 through 12.4 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (IOS reload) via unspecified vectors involving transferring files (aka bug ID CSCse29244).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2587 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Cisco IOS FTP server implementations across versions 11.3 through 12.4. This issue specifically affects the IOS FTP server component that operates within Cisco's Internet Operating System, which serves as the foundational software for numerous networking devices including routers and switches. The vulnerability manifests when authenticated remote users exploit specific file transfer operations to trigger an IOS reload, effectively causing a complete system reboot that disrupts network services. This flaw falls under the category of unspecified vectors involving file transfer operations, indicating that the precise technical mechanism remains undisclosed but is clearly related to how the FTP server processes incoming file transfer requests. The vulnerability impacts Cisco's IOS operating system which is widely deployed in enterprise networks, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on Cisco networking equipment for critical infrastructure operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated remote access to the IOS FTP server functionality, requiring attackers to possess valid credentials to initiate the malicious file transfer operations. When these specific file transfer operations are executed, they trigger an internal error within the IOS FTP server implementation that results in an uncontrolled system restart. The underlying flaw appears to be in the handling of file transfer requests where the system fails to properly validate or process certain file operations, leading to memory corruption or other internal state failures that ultimately cause the IOS to reload. This behavior demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and error handling within the FTP server component, creating a condition where legitimate file transfer operations can be manipulated to produce catastrophic system failure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 which relates to stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the exact implementation details suggest a more complex issue involving improper resource management during file transfer operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can cause complete network outages when exploited by authenticated users who may have legitimate access to the system. Organizations running affected Cisco IOS versions face significant risk of service interruptions that can affect critical network infrastructure, potentially leading to extended downtime and service degradation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that malicious insiders or attackers who have gained legitimate credentials can exploit this flaw to cause system-wide reloads. This creates a scenario where authorized users with access to the FTP server functionality can deliberately disrupt network services, making it a serious concern for organizations with robust security measures that may still be vulnerable to insider threats or compromised legitimate accounts. The impact is further amplified in environments where network availability is critical, such as data centers, telecommunications providers, or enterprise networks where continuous uptime is essential for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2587 should focus on implementing immediate security controls while planning for long-term system updates and patches. Organizations should consider disabling the FTP server functionality on affected devices when it is not strictly necessary for operations, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit who can access the FTP server functionality, reducing the potential for exploitation. Cisco recommends applying the appropriate security patches and updates that address this specific vulnerability, which typically involve updating the IOS software to versions that contain fixes for the FTP server implementation. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file transfer patterns or repeated connection attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can help limit access to the FTP server from trusted networks only, while regular security audits should verify that the FTP server is not running unnecessarily on devices that do not require this functionality. Organizations should also implement incident response procedures that include immediate system isolation and forensic analysis if exploitation is detected, as the vulnerability can cause complete system reloads that may be difficult to distinguish from legitimate maintenance activities.