CVE-2019-1869 in StarOS
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the internal packet-processing functionality of the Cisco StarOS operating system running on virtual platforms could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to stop processing traffic, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is due to a logic error that may occur under specific traffic conditions. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a series of crafted packets to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to prevent the targeted service interface from receiving any traffic, which would lead to a DoS condition on the affected interface. The device may have to be manually reloaded to recover from exploitation of this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1869 resides within the Cisco StarOS operating system, specifically affecting virtual platform implementations where the internal packet-processing functionality contains a critical logic error. This flaw represents a significant security concern as it enables unauthenticated remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks without requiring any prior credentials or privileged access. The vulnerability manifests when specific traffic conditions are met, creating a scenario where the system's packet handling mechanisms fail to process incoming data correctly, ultimately leading to complete traffic disruption on affected interfaces.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending carefully crafted packet sequences to the targeted device, which triggers the underlying logic error in the packet processing pipeline. This flaw falls under the category of software design weaknesses that can be classified as CWE-843, representing an access control vulnerability where improper validation of packet data leads to system instability. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates entirely at the network layer without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker with network connectivity to the affected system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service interruption as it can completely sever communication channels, rendering the targeted interface unusable until manual intervention occurs.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for network infrastructure deployments that rely on Cisco StarOS virtual platforms, particularly in enterprise environments where continuous network availability is critical. The need for manual device reloading after exploitation introduces significant operational overhead and potential downtime for affected services. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1498, which describes the use of denial of service attacks to disrupt services, and represents a classic example of how seemingly minor logic errors can result in catastrophic system failures. Organizations utilizing virtualized network appliances or cloud-based services running Cisco StarOS may face extended service interruptions while administrators work to restore system functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1869 should focus on implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic sources. Network administrators should consider deploying intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block suspicious packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves applying the official Cisco security patches and updates that address the specific logic error in the packet processing module. Additionally, implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual traffic patterns or interface failures can provide early warning signs of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures that include automated recovery protocols to minimize downtime when such attacks occur, given that manual device reloading remains necessary for complete system restoration.