CVE-2007-5552 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Cisco IOS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors. NOTE: as of 20071016, the only disclosure is a vague pre-advisory with no actionable information. However, since it is from a well-known researcher, it is being assigned a CVE identifier for tracking purposes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5552 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Cisco IOS operating system implementations that could potentially enable remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of software defects that occur when an integer variable exceeds its maximum representable value, leading to unexpected behavior that attackers can exploit. The integer overflow condition in Cisco IOS creates a scenario where malicious actors could manipulate input data to cause the system to behave unpredictably, potentially allowing unauthorized execution of arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability's classification as a remote exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local network credentials to attempt exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Cisco routers and switches are deployed.
The technical nature of this integer overflow vulnerability stems from improper input validation and arithmetic operations within the IOS kernel or specific network protocols handled by the operating system. When processing certain network packets or configuration data, the system's handling of integer values can result in wraparound behavior where values exceed their allocated bit width, causing the program to interpret the overflowed data incorrectly. This flaw typically occurs in functions that perform calculations involving packet lengths, buffer sizes, or other numeric parameters that are expected to remain within specific ranges. The lack of comprehensive error checking and bounds validation in these operations creates opportunities for attackers to craft malicious inputs that trigger the overflow condition, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and underflow conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5552 extends beyond simple network disruption to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures, as routers and switches serve as critical network infrastructure components. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to network devices, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, network traffic interception, or complete network compromise. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers could target these devices from anywhere on the internet, making the attack surface extremely broad. Network administrators face significant challenges in defending against such vulnerabilities, particularly when the disclosure provides limited actionable information about specific exploitation vectors or mitigation techniques. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique category, which encompasses remote code execution through network services and protocols.
Cisco IOS devices that are susceptible to this integer overflow vulnerability include various router and switch models running affected versions of the operating system, particularly those handling network protocols where integer calculations are performed. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it especially concerning for enterprise networks, cloud environments, and service provider infrastructures that rely heavily on Cisco networking equipment. Organizations should implement immediate defensive measures including network segmentation, access control list restrictions, and monitoring for suspicious network activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's disclosure timeline indicates that it was recognized by security researchers before official advisories were released, suggesting that attackers may have been actively developing exploitation techniques. Mitigation strategies should focus on applying official Cisco security patches and updates as soon as they become available, implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns, and considering temporary network isolation of affected devices until proper security updates are deployed. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all Cisco IOS devices within their networks that may be susceptible to similar integer overflow conditions.