Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
This vulnerability affects the Cisco Group Encrypted Transport VPN feature within Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of attributes within the Group Domain of Interpretation (GDOI) and G-IKEv2 protocols. This could allow an attacker with administrative control of a group member or key server to execute arbitrary code, leading to a complete system compromise, or cause the device to crash, resulting in a denial of service. The core issue lies in how the system handles specific attributes during the encryption process.
- Cisco GET VPN feature
- Insufficient attribute validation
- Arbitrary code execution or crash
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
This vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker with administrative control to impact a Cisco GET VPN feature. The attacker must first compromise an installed key server or modify a group member's configuration. This action enables the attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause the system to reload.
- Exposure: Administrative control of key server.
- Attacker start: Compromise key server or group member.
- Trigger: Modify configuration, gain control or crash.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
A vulnerability within the Cisco Group Encrypted Transport VPN feature could permit an attacker with administrative access to execute arbitrary code or cause a device to crash. This could lead to a denial of service condition or full system compromise for affected organizations. The risk is heightened as this vulnerability has been documented as actively exploited.
- Likely attacker skill level: Administrator
- Required access or conditions: Administrative control
- Business risk or urgency: High
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
The Cisco Group Encrypted Transport VPN feature in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software presents a risk due to a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated administrator to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. Attackers could exploit this by compromising a key server or manipulating a group member's configuration to point to an attacker-controlled key server. This could result in a loss of system control or service disruption for affected organizations.
- Identify devices using the affected GET VPN feature.
- Restrict administrative access to key servers and group members.
- Implement vendor updates and monitor for related activity.
