CVE-2012-0385 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
The Smart Install feature in Cisco IOS 12.2, 15.0, 15.1, and 15.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) by sending a malformed Smart Install message over TCP, aka Bug ID CSCtt16051.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0385 affects Cisco IOS software versions 12.2, 15.0, 15.1, and 15.2, specifically targeting the Smart Install feature that enables remote device configuration and software deployment. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute a denial of service attack, causing affected network devices to unexpectedly reload and become unavailable to legitimate users. The vulnerability operates through a malformed Smart Install message transmitted over the Transmission Control Protocol, which triggers an unhandled exception in the device's processing logic, ultimately leading to system instability and service disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Smart Install feature's message handling mechanism. When a Cisco device receives a specially crafted Smart Install message containing malformed data structures, the parsing routine fails to properly validate the message content before processing. This inadequate validation allows attackers to construct messages that contain unexpected data sequences or malformed headers that cause the device's operating system to crash during message processing. The flaw falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to improper validation of input boundaries and insufficient validation of data structures, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation by attackers who can craft malicious payloads without requiring authentication or privileged access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect enterprise network infrastructure reliability and availability. Network administrators may experience unexpected device reloads that can cascade through network topologies, potentially disrupting critical business operations and requiring manual intervention for device recovery. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Cisco network devices including routers, switches, and other infrastructure components that support the Smart Install feature, making it particularly dangerous in large enterprise environments where multiple devices may be simultaneously compromised. Organizations relying on automated deployment and configuration management systems that utilize Smart Install functionality face increased risk of operational disruption and potential business continuity issues.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0385 require immediate implementation of network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure to unauthorized networks. Network administrators should disable the Smart Install feature on affected devices when it is not actively required for deployment operations, as recommended by Cisco's security advisories. The implementation of firewall rules to block TCP traffic on the Smart Install ports and the application of network access control lists can prevent unauthorized access to the vulnerable functionality. Additionally, organizations should ensure their Cisco IOS software is updated to versions that contain the appropriate patches and security fixes provided by Cisco, as these updates typically include enhanced input validation and improved error handling mechanisms that prevent the exploitation of malformed message structures. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in network infrastructure software, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.002 for network disruption attacks through service availability compromises.