CVE-2013-1180 in NX-OS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the SNMP implementation in Cisco NX-OS on Nexus 7000 devices 4.x and 5.x before 5.2(5) and 6.x before 6.1(1) and MDS 9000 devices 4.x and 5.x before 5.2(5) allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted SNMP request, aka Bug ID CSCtx54822.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1180 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Simple Network Management Protocol implementation of Cisco NX-OS operating system. This security weakness affects Cisco Nexus 7000 series network switches running NX-OS versions 4.x and 5.x prior to 5.2(5) and 6.x prior to 6.1(1), as well as MDS 9000 series storage switches with similar version constraints. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of SNMP requests, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on affected devices. The vulnerability was documented under Cisco Bug ID CSCtx54822 and represents a fundamental failure in input validation mechanisms within the network infrastructure equipment.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the SNMP service processes malformed or specially crafted SNMP requests that exceed the allocated buffer space. This particular vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to craft specific SNMP packets that trigger memory corruption, potentially allowing them to overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code into the running NX-OS process. The buffer overflow vulnerability specifically affects the SNMP agent's ability to properly handle incoming requests, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the device's execution flow and potentially achieve full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1180 extends far beyond simple network disruption, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise of critical network infrastructure. Network administrators face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive network management data, potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure, and the ability to manipulate network traffic routing decisions. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers can target these devices from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed network management interfaces. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and remote code execution, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access and conduct advanced persistent threat operations within the network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1180 should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all affected NX-OS versions, with Cisco releasing security updates specifically addressing the buffer overflow conditions in their SNMP implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to SNMP management interfaces, employ strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and consider disabling SNMP services where possible. Network monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous SNMP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while security teams should establish incident response procedures for potential compromise scenarios. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date network infrastructure security patches and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs that can quickly identify and remediate similar issues across network equipment inventories. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access control policies that restrict SNMP access to trusted management stations only, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters.