CVE-2019-12646 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-12646, a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software's NAT SIP ALG, allowing remote attackers to cause device reload and denial of service. Find mitigation steps here.
Cisco IOS XE Software NAT Session Initiation Protocol Application Layer Gateway Denial of Service Vulnerability
Understanding CVE-2019-12646
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Network Address Translation (NAT) Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Application Layer Gateway (ALG) of Cisco IOS XE Software, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) situation.
What is CVE-2019-12646?
The vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software's NAT SIP ALG allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to trigger a device reload by manipulating SIP packets during NAT, causing a DoS scenario.
The Impact of CVE-2019-12646
The vulnerability could result in a remote attacker causing the affected device to reload, leading to a denial of service situation. The CVSS base score is 8.6, indicating a high severity level.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-12646
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of temporary SIP packets during NAT, allowing attackers to exploit the device and cause a reload.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco IOS XE Software
- Vendor: Cisco
- Versions Affected: Less than 3.2.11aSG
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can send manipulated SIP packets through the affected device using UDP port 5060 while NAT is being performed, leading to device reload and DoS.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from this vulnerability is crucial to prevent potential attacks.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity related to SIP packets.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and firmware to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and apply relevant patches as soon as they are available.