CVE-2014-3331 in PGW Packet Data Network Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
The Session Manager component in Packet Data Network Gateway (aka PGW) in Cisco ASR 5000 Series Software 11.0, 12.0, 12.1, 12.2, 14.0, 15.0, 16.x through 16.1.2, and 17.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (process crash) via a crafted TCP packet, aka Bug ID CSCuo21914.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3331 resides within the Session Manager component of Cisco's Packet Data Network Gateway functionality, specifically affecting the ASR 5000 Series Software versions ranging from 11.0 through 17.0. This critical flaw manifests in the form of a remote denial of service condition that can be triggered by sending a specially crafted TCP packet to the affected system. The Session Manager component operates as a crucial element within the packet core network infrastructure, responsible for managing and maintaining session states for mobile data connections in 3G and 4G networks. When exploited, this vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of a buffer overflow or input validation flaw that causes the process to crash and subsequently restart, effectively disrupting service availability for legitimate network users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the TCP packet processing logic of the Session Manager module. When the system receives a malformed TCP packet containing specific crafted payload data, the parsing routine fails to properly validate the packet structure before attempting to process the session information. This failure creates an exploitable condition where the system's memory management routines encounter unexpected data patterns that cause the process to terminate abnormally. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read errors that can lead to process termination. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires only network access to execute, making it highly accessible to remote adversaries who may not require physical proximity or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3331 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the reliability and availability of mobile data services within the affected network infrastructure. When the Session Manager process crashes, it affects all active data sessions managed by that component, leading to widespread connectivity issues for mobile subscribers in the affected network segments. This vulnerability represents a significant threat to network operators as it can be exploited to create sustained denial of service conditions that may require manual intervention to restore service. The affected Cisco ASR 5000 Series equipment serves as a critical backbone for mobile network operators, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can impact thousands of concurrent users simultaneously. The process restart required to recover from the crash introduces additional service interruption periods, compounding the overall impact on network availability.
Network security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2014-3331. The primary mitigation strategy involves applying the official Cisco security patches and software updates that address the input validation flaws in the Session Manager component. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls that limit direct exposure of the affected equipment to untrusted networks, utilizing firewalls and access control lists to filter suspicious TCP packet patterns. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual TCP packet structures that could trigger the vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1499.004, which describes network denial of service attacks, and T1595.001, which addresses network scanning techniques that may precede exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection capabilities can help identify and block exploitation attempts before they can successfully impact the network infrastructure.