CVE-2009-4915 in ASA 5580
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability on Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances (ASA) 5580 series devices with software before 8.1(2) allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via unknown network traffic, as demonstrated by a "connection stress test," aka Bug ID CSCsq68451.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4915 affects Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances ASA 5580 series devices running software versions prior to 8.1(2). This unspecified flaw represents a significant security weakness that enables remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition leading to complete device reload. The vulnerability was specifically demonstrated through a "connection stress test" technique that exploits underlying network processing mechanisms within the ASA implementation. Such attacks can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where network security appliances serve as critical infrastructure components for maintaining organizational security postures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and processing of network traffic within the ASA device firmware. When subjected to specially crafted network packets or connection stress testing methodologies, the device fails to properly handle the incoming traffic, resulting in system instability and subsequent automatic device reload. This behavior aligns with CWE-122, which describes buffer overflow conditions that can lead to system crashes and denial of service scenarios. The vulnerability exists at the protocol processing layer where network connections are managed and maintained, suggesting weaknesses in the ASA's connection handling mechanisms and resource management capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4915 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise network security infrastructure integrity. When an ASA device reloads due to this vulnerability, it temporarily removes the organization's network traffic filtering and inspection capabilities, creating windows of exposure for malicious actors. This type of attack can be particularly devastating in environments where the ASA serves as the primary firewall and security gateway, as the device's unavailability can result in complete loss of network security controls. The vulnerability also represents a potential vector for attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, as the device reload may generate network traffic patterns that could be monitored by adversaries.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Cisco ASA software version 8.1(2) or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing rate limiting and connection tracking mechanisms to reduce the effectiveness of stress testing attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security software versions and implementing proper network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure rapid recovery capabilities when such denial of service events occur, as the time required for device reload and reconfiguration can significantly impact business continuity operations. This vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of network infrastructure components before deployment in production environments, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize continuous monitoring and proactive threat detection.