CVE-2010-3050 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco IOS before 12.2(33)SXI allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (device reboot).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2019
Cisco IOS version 12.2(33)SXI and earlier contains a vulnerability that permits remote authenticated attackers to trigger a denial of service condition resulting in device reboot. This flaw exists within the router operating system's handling of specific network protocols or processing functions that govern device stability and operation. The vulnerability specifically affects devices running vulnerable IOS versions where the authentication process does not adequately validate incoming packets or commands that could lead to system instability. Attackers who have gained authentication credentials can exploit this weakness by sending crafted network traffic or commands that cause the device to crash and subsequently reboot. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as device reboots can disrupt network connectivity, potentially affecting critical infrastructure operations. This vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and error handling within the IOS kernel components that process network traffic. From a cybersecurity perspective, this issue represents a privilege escalation concern where authenticated users can leverage their access to cause broader system instability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 which describes buffer overflow conditions and CWE-119 which addresses improper access to memory locations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks and T1566.001 which involves phishing attacks that could lead to credential compromise. The affected devices include various Cisco router models running the vulnerable IOS versions, particularly those used in enterprise and service provider networks where device uptime is critical. Organizations should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to Cisco IOS version 12.2(33)SXI or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit authentication privileges and reduce the attack surface. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual reboot patterns or authentication activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network access control lists and firewall rules can help prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable network devices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current IOS versions and following security best practices for network device management. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.