CVE-2012-1338 in Catalyst 3560
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco IOS 15.0 and 15.1 on Catalyst 3560 and 3750 series switches allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (device reload) by completing local web authentication quickly, aka Bug ID CSCts88664.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-1338 represents a denial of service flaw affecting Cisco IOS versions 15.0 and 15.1 running on Catalyst 3560 and 3750 series switches. This issue specifically targets the local web authentication mechanism within the switch operating system, creating a condition where authenticated users can trigger an unexpected device reload through rapid completion of the authentication process. The vulnerability is categorized as a remote authenticated attack vector, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to exploit the flaw, though the attack itself does not require physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication state transitions within the web authentication framework of the affected Cisco IOS versions. When users complete the local web authentication process in rapid succession, the system fails to properly manage the session state transitions, leading to a condition that causes the switch to crash and subsequently reload. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input data, and CWE-248, which deals with exposure of an exception to an unauthorized user. The flaw manifests as an uncontrolled state transition that results in system instability rather than a direct exploitation of security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect network availability and reliability in environments where these switches serve critical network functions. Network administrators may experience unexpected device reloads that could interrupt network services, particularly in environments where local web authentication is actively used for network access control. The vulnerability affects enterprise networks that rely on these specific Cisco switch models for layer 2 switching functions, potentially impacting network segmentation, access control, and overall network stability. The attack requires minimal resources and can be executed by authenticated users, making it particularly concerning for environments with less strict access controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. Cisco has released patches and software updates specifically addressing this issue, which should be implemented immediately on affected devices. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper state management in network device software and highlights the need for thorough testing of authentication mechanisms. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions that can detect sudden device reloads and correlate these events with authentication activities. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access can reduce the overall risk exposure. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date network device firmware and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure components, particularly those implementing authentication mechanisms that could be exploited to cause service disruption.