CVE-2016-6403 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
The Data in Motion (DMo) application in Cisco IOS 15.6(1)T and IOS XE, when the IOx feature set is enabled, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted packet, aka Bug IDs CSCuy82904, CSCuy82909, and CSCuy82912.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6403 affects Cisco IOS 15.6(1)T and IOS XE systems where the IOx feature set is enabled. This represents a critical denial of service weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers through the injection of specially crafted packets into the network traffic. The vulnerability specifically targets the Data in Motion application component within Cisco's networking operating system, which is designed to facilitate data processing and transmission across network infrastructure. The affected systems are particularly vulnerable when the IOx feature set is actively enabled, as this functionality introduces additional attack surface that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of crafted network packets by the DMo application within the IOx framework. When these malicious packets are received by a vulnerable system, they trigger an abnormal termination of the Data in Motion process, leading to a complete service disruption. This behavior constitutes a classic denial of service condition where legitimate network traffic is interrupted and system functionality is compromised. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1498, specifically focusing on network denial of service attacks. The exploitation mechanism relies on the system's failure to properly validate packet contents before processing them through the DMo application layer, creating a pathway for attackers to disrupt normal network operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can affect critical network infrastructure components that rely on the IOx functionality for data processing tasks. Organizations utilizing Cisco routers or switches with IOx enabled are at risk of experiencing network outages that can affect business continuity and operational efficiency. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the affected devices, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network security is paramount. Network administrators may experience difficulty in identifying the root cause of service disruptions, as the symptoms align with typical denial of service conditions rather than specific application-level failures. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Cisco network equipment including routers and switches running the specified IOS versions, potentially impacting enterprise networks, service provider infrastructures, and critical infrastructure deployments where IOx functionality is utilized for data processing and application hosting.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6403 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest Cisco security updates and software releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted network traffic. The IOx feature set should be disabled on systems where it is not essential for business operations, as this provides an effective workaround until full patches can be deployed. Network monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and intrusion detection systems should be updated to recognize signatures associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing rate limiting and packet filtering rules to prevent malformed packets from reaching vulnerable system components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and regularly reviewing enabled network features to minimize attack surface exposure. Cisco recommends that organizations review their network configurations and ensure that IOx functionality is only enabled when absolutely necessary, particularly in environments where security controls may not be sufficient to protect against remote exploitation.