CVE-2010-3049 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco IOS before 12.2(33)SXI allows local users to cause a denial of service (device reboot).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2019
Cisco IOS versions prior to 12.2(33)SXI contain a vulnerability that permits local attackers to trigger a denial of service condition resulting in device reboot. This flaw exists within the operating system's handling of specific input parameters that when manipulated can cause the system to crash and subsequently reboot. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue where an authenticated user with access to the device can exploit this weakness to disrupt service availability. The technical implementation involves improper validation of input data within the IOS kernel, which leads to memory corruption when processing certain commands or configurations. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad by allowing unauthorized disruption of network services through device reboot operations.
The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking and input validation mechanisms within the IOS software architecture, particularly affecting how the system processes certain administrative commands. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific inputs that cause the kernel to behave unpredictably, leading to a system crash and automatic reboot sequence. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition that can result in system instability. The operational impact extends beyond simple device disruption as network infrastructure components relying on these routers may experience cascading failures, particularly in environments where multiple devices depend on stable routing operations. Network administrators face significant challenges in maintaining service availability since the vulnerability can be exploited by users with legitimate access credentials, making detection and prevention more difficult.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which involves compromising availability through system resource manipulation. The local nature of the attack means that attackers do not require external network access or specialized tools beyond legitimate administrative access, making this vector particularly concerning for internal security assessments. The affected IOS versions represent a critical security gap that could be exploited during routine administrative tasks or through compromised user accounts. Organizations implementing Cisco IOS devices should prioritize immediate patching to address this vulnerability, as the potential for service disruption can significantly impact business continuity and network operations. The remediation process requires careful planning and testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing network configurations or services that depend on the affected IOS versions.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current firmware and software versions in enterprise network environments. The lack of proper input validation in the IOS kernel represents a fundamental security weakness that could potentially be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to achieve more severe outcomes. Network security teams must implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unusual reboot patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the need for principle of least privilege implementations where administrative access is strictly controlled and monitored. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation and access logging to provide better visibility into potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of IOS versions to ensure that devices are not running vulnerable software releases that could be exploited by local attackers.