Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
The Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP) feature in Cisco IOS XR Software is vulnerable due to insufficient queue management for Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) packets. An attacker could exploit this by sending crafted IGMP traffic, leading to memory exhaustion and instability for critical processes. This instability could affect routing protocols, impacting network operations.
- Vulnerable DVMRP feature
- Insufficient IGMP packet queue management
- Potential network instability and routing failures
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to cause memory exhaustion on affected Cisco devices. The issue stems from how the Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP) feature handles Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) packets. By sending specially crafted IGMP traffic, an attacker can overload the device's processes, leading to instability and potential disruption of routing protocols.
- Exposure on a network interface.
- Attacker sends crafted IGMP traffic.
- Causes memory exhaustion and instability.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
A vulnerability within Cisco IOS XR Software's Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP) feature could allow a remote attacker to cause process memory exhaustion. This occurs due to improper management of Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) packets. An attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted IGMP traffic to an affected device. Successful exploitation could lead to instability in critical processes, including routing protocols, impacting network operations.
- Attackers require low technical skill.
- Exploitation requires network access.
- Business risk is substantial due to service disruption.
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability in Cisco IOS XR Software's DVMRP feature could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause memory exhaustion by sending crafted IGMP traffic. This could lead to instability in critical processes such as routing protocols, impacting network operations. The vendor has identified affected products and will release software updates to address the issue.
- Identify exposed network devices.
- Isolate affected devices if possible.
- Apply vendor security updates.
- Verify fix implementation.
- Monitor network stability.
