Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
Cisco IOS software contains vulnerabilities in its Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) feature. These flaws stem from the improper parsing of specially crafted CIP packets. Exploitation could lead to affected devices reloading, causing a denial of service.
- Cisco IOS software with CIP feature
- Improper parsing of crafted CIP packets
- Denial of service for affected devices
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
The Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) implementation in Cisco IOS contains vulnerabilities that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to disrupt device operations. These vulnerabilities stem from the improper parsing of crafted CIP packets. An attacker could exploit this by sending specially formed packets to an affected device. A successful attack would cause the device to reload, leading to a denial of service.
- Exposure condition: Network accessibility of CIP.
- Attacker starting point: Remote, unauthenticated.
- Trigger and result: Crafted CIP packets cause device reload.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to cause devices to reload, resulting in a denial-of-service condition. Exploitation is possible by sending specially crafted network packets. This could disrupt services that rely on the affected devices.
- Likely attacker skill level: Low
- Required access or conditions: Network access
- Business risk or urgency: High
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
The identified vulnerabilities in the Cisco IOS Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) feature can allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition by reloading an affected device. This occurs due to improper parsing of crafted CIP packets. Successful exploitation can disrupt operations by causing device reloads.
- Identify Cisco IOS devices processing CIP.
- Isolate affected devices or restrict network access.
- Apply vendor updates, verify fixes, and monitor.
