CVE-2019-12655 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2019-12655, a vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software's FTP Application Layer Gateway for NAT, NAT64, and ZBFW, allowing remote attackers to cause device reloads. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures here.
A vulnerability in the FTP application layer gateway (ALG) functionality used by Network Address Translation (NAT), NAT IPv6 to IPv4 (NAT64), and the Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBFW) in Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload. The vulnerability is due to a buffer overflow that occurs when an affected device inspects certain FTP traffic. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by performing a specific FTP transfer through the device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause the device to reload.
Understanding CVE-2019-12655
This CVE describes a denial of service vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software's FTP Application Layer Gateway for NAT, NAT64, and ZBFW.
What is CVE-2019-12655?
This CVE refers to a flaw in the FTP ALG functionality in Cisco IOS XE Software that could be exploited by an unauthenticated, remote attacker to trigger a device reload.
The Impact of CVE-2019-12655
The vulnerability could lead to an unauthenticated, remote attacker causing a reload of an affected device, potentially disrupting services and operations.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-12655
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is attributed to a buffer overflow that occurs when the device inspects specific FTP traffic, allowing an attacker to trigger a device reload.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco IOS XE Software 3.16.8S
- Version: Unspecified
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to perform a specific FTP transfer through the affected device, triggering a reload if successful.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate steps and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious FTP activities.
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
Ensure that the affected Cisco IOS XE Software version is updated with the latest patches provided by Cisco to address the FTP ALG vulnerability.