CVE-2014-3406 in Intrusion Prevention System
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the IP logging feature in Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) Software 7.1(7)E4 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via crafted IP traffic that matches a problematic rule, aka Bug ID CSCud82085.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-3406 represents a critical race condition within the IP logging functionality of Cisco Intrusion Prevention System software versions 7.1(7)E4 and earlier. This flaw exists in the manner in which the system processes and logs IP traffic, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the timing-sensitive operations within the logging subsystem. The race condition occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared resources simultaneously, leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's ability to handle crafted IP packets that match certain problematic rules, ultimately resulting in unauthorized device reloads that constitute a denial of service attack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the IPS logging module. When the system encounters IP traffic that matches a specific rule pattern, the logging process fails to properly coordinate access to shared memory segments or data structures. This race condition allows attackers to manipulate the timing of packet processing such that concurrent access to critical logging resources occurs in an unsafe manner. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to log IP information while simultaneously processing other network events, creating a scenario where the device's memory management becomes corrupted or the logging subsystem enters an inconsistent state. According to CWE-362, this vulnerability maps directly to a race condition weakness where concurrent processes access shared resources without proper synchronization, leading to unpredictable system behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise network security infrastructure. When exploited, the race condition causes the Cisco IPS device to reload automatically, effectively removing it from service and disrupting network monitoring capabilities. This creates a window of vulnerability where malicious traffic can flow through the network undetected, as the intrusion prevention system is temporarily unavailable. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for network security operations. Organizations relying on Cisco IPS for network protection face significant risk of operational disruption and potential security gaps during the device reload period. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks targeting network infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of Cisco's security patches and updates to IPS software versions that address the race condition in the logging subsystem. Network administrators should prioritize upgrading to versions that contain the fixed synchronization mechanisms and proper resource management protocols. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the attack surface by restricting unauthorized access to the IPS device. Monitoring for anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts should be enhanced, particularly focusing on crafted IP packets that match the vulnerable rule patterns. The implementation of redundant IPS systems and failover mechanisms can help maintain network security monitoring capabilities during patch deployment windows. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary logging rules that might trigger the race condition and regularly audit their IPS rule configurations to identify and eliminate potentially problematic patterns that could lead to exploitation.