CVE-2016-1351 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
The Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP) implementation in Cisco IOS 15.1 and 15.2 and NX-OS 4.1 through 6.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via a crafted header in a packet, aka Bug ID CSCuu64279.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2022
The Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP) vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1351 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Cisco's network infrastructure software implementations. This vulnerability specifically affects Cisco IOS versions 15.1 and 15.2, as well as NX-OS versions 4.1 through 6.2, where the LISP implementation contains a buffer overflow condition that can be triggered by specially crafted packet headers. The flaw manifests when the system processes malformed LISP packets that contain unexpected header structures, leading to unpredictable behavior and ultimately causing the affected device to reload completely. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker sends a crafted packet containing malformed LISP headers to a vulnerable Cisco device. The device's LISP processing module fails to properly validate the packet structure, causing a buffer overflow that corrupts memory and eventually leads to a system crash. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the target device on the network. The specific trigger involves the handling of LISP packet headers that exceed expected buffer boundaries, causing the system to execute undefined behavior and ultimately result in a device reload.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1351 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can compromise network availability and potentially provide attackers with opportunities for further exploitation. Network administrators may experience unexpected device outages, leading to service interruptions for legitimate users and potentially affecting business continuity. The vulnerability affects core network infrastructure devices that rely on LISP for routing and address translation functions, making it particularly concerning for enterprise networks that depend on these protocols for network segmentation and mobility. The automatic device reload also means that network services are temporarily unavailable until the device recovers, which can compound the impact on network operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Cisco's security patches and updates that address the buffer overflow condition in the LISP implementation. Network administrators should disable LISP functionality on affected devices if the protocol is not actively required for network operations, as this provides an effective workaround until patches can be applied. The implementation of network access controls and firewalls can help limit exposure by restricting access to vulnerable devices from untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual device reload patterns or malformed packet traffic that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation strategies to isolate vulnerable devices and reduce the potential impact of successful attacks, aligning with defensive techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for network denial of service operations.