CVE-2014-2142 in ONS 15454
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco ONS 15454 controller cards with software 10.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (card reload) via a crafted HTTP URI, aka Bug ID CSCun06870.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2142 affects Cisco ONS 15454 controller cards running software versions 10.0 and earlier, representing a critical denial of service flaw that can be exploited remotely by attackers. This vulnerability specifically targets the HTTP URI handling mechanism within the controller card's software implementation, creating a condition where malformed or specially crafted HTTP requests can trigger an unexpected system reload event. The affected hardware operates within telecommunications infrastructure environments where network reliability and uptime are paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for service providers and network operators who depend on continuous operation of their core network equipment.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation within the HTTP URI processing component of the controller card software. When a remote attacker crafts a specific HTTP URI that contains malformed parameters or unexpected sequences, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing. This weakness allows the malicious input to be interpreted in a way that triggers an internal system reload mechanism, effectively causing the controller card to restart or reload its operational software. The vulnerability falls under the category of input validation flaws and can be classified as a CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, which is a fundamental security weakness that often leads to various downstream impacts including denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can lead to significant network instability and potential service degradation for telecommunications providers. When a controller card reloads due to this vulnerability, it can cause temporary loss of network management capabilities, disruption of traffic flows, and potential service interruptions for end users. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the equipment or network proximity, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability for network infrastructure. Network operators may experience cascading effects where multiple controller cards reload simultaneously, leading to widespread service disruption across their network infrastructure. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to perform persistent denial of service attacks by repeatedly exploiting the flaw, potentially causing extended periods of network instability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate software updates and patches provided by Cisco to address the input validation weakness in the HTTP URI processing component. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected controller cards to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious HTTP URI patterns. The implementation of proper input validation controls and sanitization measures within network management systems can help prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain updated network configuration baselines to ensure that all controller cards are running patched software versions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, which specifically addresses methods for causing service disruption through manipulation of system resources. Network administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect abnormal reload patterns or system restarts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in network infrastructure software, particularly in mission-critical telecommunications equipment where reliability and uptime are essential for maintaining service quality.