CVE-2016-6379 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco IOS 12.2 and IOS XE 3.14 through 3.16 and 16.1 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via crafted IP Detail Record (IPDR) packets, aka Bug ID CSCuu35089.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
Cisco IOS operating systems version 12.2 and IOS XE versions 3.14 through 3.16 and 16.1 contain a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition through the careful crafting of IP Detail Record packets. This flaw specifically affects devices that process IPDR data, which are used for network traffic analysis and reporting purposes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the IPDR processing module of the IOS software, where malformed or specially crafted IPDR packets can cause the device to crash and subsequently reload its operating system. The impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple Cisco IOS versions and affects various network devices including routers and switches that support the IPDR functionality. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow condition where the system fails to properly handle oversized or malformed packet data structures, leading to memory corruption and system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can send packets to the affected device. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, specifically targeting network denial of service conditions through protocol manipulation. The operational impact of this vulnerability can be severe as device reloads disrupt network connectivity and can lead to extended downtime for affected networks. Network administrators may experience cascading failures if multiple devices in the network are vulnerable to the same exploit, potentially causing widespread service disruption. The vulnerability affects devices that process IPDR data in real-time, which is commonly used for network monitoring, traffic analysis, and billing purposes in enterprise and service provider networks. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely heavily on network visibility features and may not immediately detect the exploitation of this vulnerability. The exploit requires minimal privileges and can be executed from any network location that can reach the affected device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. Organizations should consider implementing network access controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability and should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent potential exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in network protocol processing and demonstrates how seemingly benign network monitoring features can become attack vectors when not properly secured. Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through software updates that include enhanced packet validation routines and improved memory management for IPDR processing, requiring affected organizations to apply the appropriate security patches to maintain network stability and security.