CVE-2019-12696 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Cisco Firepower System Software Detection Engine RTF and RAR Malware and File Policy Bypass Vulnerabilities

Understanding CVE-2019-12696

Multiple vulnerabilities in the Cisco Firepower System Software Detection Engine could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass configured Malware and File Policies for RTF and RAR file types.

What is CVE-2019-12696?

There are weaknesses in the Cisco Firepower System Software Detection Engine that could enable a remote attacker to circumvent configured Malware and File Policies for RTF and RAR file formats.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12696

Base Score: 5.8 (Medium Severity)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Integrity Impact: Low
No user interaction or privileges required

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12696

The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass Malware and File Policies for RTF and RAR file formats.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco FireSIGHT System Software
Vendor: Cisco
Version: Unspecified

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication to circumvent configured Malware and File Policies.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2019-12696.

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor vendor security advisories for patches
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure
Apply the principle of least privilege

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing
Educate users on security best practices

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerabilities