External risk intelligence

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance SNMP Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-6366

A buffer overflow in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software allows authenticated remote users to execute arbitrary code. This impacts network security devices, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution and system compromise, posing a significant business risk.

2Halo Surface Signal

Buffer Overflow

Cisco Pix Firewall Software

7.2.1 to before 9.0.4.409.1.1 to before 9.1.7\(9\)9.2.0 to before 9.2.4\(14\)9.3.0 to before 9.3.3\(10\)9.4.0.115 to before 9.4.3\(8\)9.5.0 to 9.5\(3\)9.6.0 to before 9.6.1\(11\)8.7.1...

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-6366

The vulnerability affects the SNMP interface of network security appliances. While these devices are often internet-facing, SNMP is a management protocol typically restricted to internal management networks or VPNs, and it is considered a poor security practice to expose SNMP directly to the public internet in common, secure deployment patterns.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and related Cisco devices are vulnerable to a buffer overflow. This flaw allows authenticated remote users to potentially execute arbitrary code by sending crafted IPv4 SNMP packets. The impact can include system reloads or the execution of unauthorized code on affected devices.

  • Vulnerable Cisco security appliances
  • Buffer overflow flaw
  • Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software, affecting various Cisco devices. This vulnerability allows remote, authenticated users to potentially execute arbitrary code by sending specially crafted IPv4 SNMP packets. The successful exploitation of this flaw could lead to unauthorized code execution and system compromise.

  • Exposure condition: Authenticated access to the SNMP interface.
  • Attacker starting point: Remote network access.
  • Trigger and result: Crafted SNMP packets cause code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the system. The exploitation requires specific conditions, making it a targeted threat rather than a widespread one. The impact is significant, as it could disrupt network security operations and lead to unauthorized access.

  • Attacker skill level: Moderate
  • Required access or conditions: Authenticated user access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability can allow remote, authenticated users to execute arbitrary code on affected Cisco devices by sending specially crafted IPv4 SNMP packets. Organizations should prioritize identifying all Cisco devices utilizing the affected software, as a compromise could lead to significant business risk including the potential for code execution and system disruption. A systematic approach to containment, remediation, and ongoing monitoring is essential to address this threat.

  • Find affected Cisco devices.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software?

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software is a network security technology used in various Cisco devices, such as firewalls, to protect networks by controlling traffic and preventing unauthorized access.

What weakness class does CVE-2016-6366 represent?

CVE-2016-6366 represents a buffer overflow vulnerability, classified as CWE-120. This occurs when a program attempts to write more data into a buffer than it can hold, potentially overwriting adjacent memory.

How can an attacker trigger the CVE-2016-6366 vulnerability?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by sending specially crafted IPv4 SNMP packets to an affected device, which could lead to unintended code execution.

What is the relevance of CVE-2016-6366 according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo classifies this CVE as external, noting that while it affects the SNMP interface of network security appliances, SNMP is typically restricted to internal management networks, making direct internet exposure less common in secure deployments.

What steps should organizations take in response to this threat?

Organizations should identify all affected Cisco devices, reduce exposure or isolate risks, apply vendor fixes, validate remediation, and monitor for related issues to address this vulnerability.

References