CVE-2017-12279 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the packet processing code of Cisco IOS Software for Cisco Aironet Access Points could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to retrieve content from memory on an affected device, which could lead to the disclosure of confidential information. The vulnerability is due to insufficient condition checks that are performed by the affected device when the device adds padding to egress packets. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted IP packet to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to retrieve content from memory on the affected device, which could lead to the disclosure of confidential information. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvc21581.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12279 resides within the packet processing mechanisms of Cisco IOS Software running on Cisco Aironet Access Points, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the confidentiality of network communications. This vulnerability specifically targets the memory management processes that occur during packet egress operations, where the affected devices perform padding operations on outgoing network traffic. The flaw manifests when the system fails to adequately validate conditions prior to executing padding procedures, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Cisco Aironet access point models and is particularly concerning due to its remote exploitability by adjacent network attackers who do not require authentication credentials to initiate the attack vector.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of IP packet structures sent to the affected device, where an attacker crafts specific packets designed to trigger the inadequate condition checks within the packet processing code. When the vulnerable device processes these crafted packets, the insufficient validation allows for memory content to be read beyond the intended boundaries of the packet data structure. This memory disclosure can potentially expose sensitive information including but not limited to network configuration details, authentication credentials, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data stored within the device's memory space. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, specifically targeting the handling of egress packet padding mechanisms, which are essential for maintaining proper network communication standards and ensuring packet integrity during transmission.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Cisco Aironet access points for wireless network infrastructure, as it enables attackers to potentially extract confidential information from network devices without requiring any authentication or privileged access. The adjacent network requirement means that attackers must be physically present within the wireless coverage area or have access to the same network segment, but this limitation does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability. The disclosed information could enable further attacks including but not limited to network reconnaissance, credential harvesting, or the development of more sophisticated attack vectors targeting other network components. Organizations with wireless networks containing sensitive data or critical infrastructure face heightened risk exposure when these devices remain unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12279 should prioritize immediate deployment of Cisco's official security patches and software updates that address the specific condition validation flaws in the packet processing code. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized devices can communicate with the affected access points. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input boundaries, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system, demonstrating how this flaw enables adversaries to access sensitive information stored within network devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and maintaining comprehensive network documentation to facilitate rapid response to potential exploitation attempts.