CVE-2017-12223 : Security Advisory and Response

A weakness in the ROM Monitor (ROMMON) code of Cisco IR800 Integrated Services Router Software could allow unauthorized access to initiate an unsigned Hypervisor, compromising system integrity.

Understanding CVE-2017-12223

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Cisco IR800 Integrated Services Router Software that could be exploited by an attacker to compromise system integrity.

What is CVE-2017-12223?

The vulnerability stems from inadequate user input sanitization in the ROM Monitor (ROMMON) code of Cisco IR800 Integrated Services Router Software. Unauthorized access could lead to the execution of unauthorized code and installation of malicious Hypervisor firmware.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12223

Unauthorized access to initiate unsigned Hypervisor
Compromise of system integrity
Execution of unauthorized code
Installation of malicious Hypervisor firmware

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12223

This section provides technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an unauthorized attacker to manipulate ROMMON variables, potentially leading to the execution of unauthorized code and installation of malicious Hypervisor firmware.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco IR800 Integrated Services Router
Version: Cisco IR800 Integrated Services Router

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacker gains console access to the router
Enters ROMMON mode and modifies ROMMON variables
Executes unauthorized code and installs malicious Hypervisor firmware

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2017-12223.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Cisco
Restrict physical access to the router
Monitor console access to the device

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch router firmware
Implement strong access control measures

Patching and Updates

Cisco has released patches to address this vulnerability
Regularly check for firmware updates and apply them promptly