Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
Multiple vulnerabilities in the Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP) feature of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause denial of service conditions. These issues stem from the incorrect handling of Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) packets. Successful exploitation could lead to the crashing of the IGMP process or memory exhaustion, potentially impacting other critical processes on the affected device.
- Vulnerable DVMRP feature
- Incorrect IGMP packet handling
- System instability and crashes
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to disrupt network operations. The attack involves sending specifically crafted Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) traffic to an affected device. A successful exploitation could lead to the immediate crashing of the IGMP process or a gradual consumption of memory, ultimately causing the system to become unstable. This instability can affect critical routing protocols, impacting the device's ability to forward traffic.
- Network exposure required.
- Attacker sends crafted IGMP traffic.
- IGMP process crashes or memory exhausts.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
The documented vulnerabilities in Cisco IOS XR Software's Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP) feature allow for potential disruption of network services. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit these by sending crafted packets. This could lead to the immediate crashing of the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) process or cause memory exhaustion, impacting other critical processes like routing protocols. These impacts create a significant business risk due to potential network instability and service outages.
- Likely attacker skill level: Low.
- Required access or conditions: Network access.
- Business risk or urgency: High, potential service disruption.
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to crash a critical network process or exhaust device memory. This could lead to instability for other processes, including routing protocols, and impact network operations. The risk is associated with the Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP) feature in Cisco IOS XR Software.
- Identify affected Cisco IOS XR systems.
- Limit network access to DVMRP.
- Apply vendor software updates.
- Verify fix implementation.
- Monitor system stability.
