Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
Certain Cisco IOS Software versions on specific Catalyst switches contain a vulnerability within the SNMP subsystem. This flaw can be triggered by an authenticated user sending a specific SNMP read request. The primary impact is a denial-of-service condition on the affected network device.
- Vulnerable: Cisco IOS SNMP subsystem
- Weakness: Improper handling of SNMP read requests
- Impact: Network device restart
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specific SNMP request to an affected network device. This request, targeting the ciscoFlashMIB object ID, would cause the device to enter a state of high CPU usage and subsequently restart. This interruption disrupts network services and impacts operational availability.
- Exposure: SNMP service configured for authenticated access.
- Attacker: Authenticated remote access.
- Trigger: SNMP GET request for ciscoFlashMIB.
- Impact: Device restart, denial of service.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
This vulnerability could allow an authenticated attacker to disrupt operations on specific Cisco network switches. The attack involves sending a crafted network management request, potentially causing a device to restart and leading to a denial-of-service condition. This impacts the availability of network services.
- Attackers require authenticated access.
- Difficulty is considered moderate.
- Business risk involves service disruption.
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability could impact the availability of specific Cisco Catalyst switches if they are configured to use SNMPv2 or SNMPv3. An attacker could trigger a device restart, leading to a denial-of-service condition. The impact is limited to organizations using the affected switch models with SNMP enabled.
- Identify affected switch assets.
- Restrict SNMP access.
- Apply vendor updates.
