CVE-2010-2831 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the NAT for SIP implementation in Cisco IOS 12.1 through 12.4 and 15.0 through 15.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via transit traffic on UDP port 5060, aka Bug ID CSCtf17624.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2831 represents a critical flaw in Cisco IOS implementations that affects versions ranging from 12.1 through 12.4 and 15.0 through 15.1. This issue specifically targets the Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality designed for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) traffic, which is fundamental to VoIP communications. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes transit traffic on UDP port 5060, which is the standard port used by SIP for signaling messages. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the NAT implementation to trigger a device reload, effectively causing a denial of service condition that disrupts network communications and potentially impacts business continuity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of SIP traffic within the NAT processing pipeline of Cisco IOS devices. When packets transit through affected devices with SIP NAT enabled, the system fails to properly validate or process certain SIP message formats, leading to an unexpected state that triggers a device reboot. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input boundaries, and specifically relates to the improper handling of network protocol data within routing and switching infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt network services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect the reliability of voice communications across enterprise and service provider networks. Organizations relying on SIP-based communication systems may experience significant downtime when affected devices are compromised, potentially affecting thousands of users depending on the network architecture. The attack vector through UDP port 5060 means that any device handling SIP traffic and running vulnerable Cisco IOS versions is at risk, including routers, firewalls, and other network infrastructure components. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where SIP traffic traverses NAT boundaries, which is common in enterprise networks and service provider environments where VoIP services are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2831 should focus on immediate patching of affected Cisco IOS versions, as well as network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable devices. Network administrators should consider disabling SIP NAT functionality on affected systems until patches are applied, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns on UDP port 5060. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, as it specifically targets network infrastructure to cause service disruption. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network access control lists to restrict traffic to and from UDP port 5060 can provide temporary protection while permanent solutions are deployed. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to quickly address any successful exploitation attempts.