CVE-2010-2830 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
The IGMPv3 implementation in Cisco IOS 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, and 15.0 and IOS XE 2.5.x before 2.5.2, when PIM is enabled, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via a malformed IGMP packet, aka Bug ID CSCte14603.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2830 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Cisco IOS implementations that affects multiple versions including 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, and 15.0 releases along with IOS XE 2.5.x before 2.5.2. This issue specifically targets the Internet Group Management Protocol version 3 implementation that operates in conjunction with Protocol Independent Multicast functionality. The flaw manifests when a malformed IGMP packet is received by a vulnerable device, triggering an unexpected device reload that effectively disrupts network services and creates operational downtime.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the IGMPv3 processing code path when PIM is enabled on the affected Cisco IOS versions. The implementation fails to properly handle malformed IGMP packets that contain invalid or unexpected data structures, leading to memory corruption or unexpected execution flows within the routing software. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input boundaries, and specifically relates to CWE-772, which covers missing release of resource after effective lifetime. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overread condition where the system attempts to process malformed data without adequate bounds checking.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute a denial of service attack against network infrastructure without requiring authentication or privileged access. An attacker positioned on the network can simply send a specially crafted IGMP packet to any device running vulnerable Cisco IOS software, causing the device to reload and temporarily become unavailable. This creates a significant risk for network availability, particularly in environments where routers and switches are critical for maintaining network connectivity. The vulnerability affects core network infrastructure components that are often deployed in mission-critical environments, making the potential impact on business operations substantial. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks and T1595.001 which involves network reconnaissance through protocol analysis.
Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through software updates and security patches that provide proper input validation and error handling for IGMP packets. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the appropriate IOS patches and updates to all affected devices. Network administrators should also consider implementing access control lists to filter IGMP traffic where possible, though this approach may not completely prevent the vulnerability. Monitoring network traffic for unusual IGMP packet patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The fix typically requires a device reload to apply the patched software, which should be scheduled during maintenance windows to minimize operational disruption. Organizations should also review their network design to ensure that critical infrastructure devices are properly secured and that access controls are in place to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic.