CVE-2019-13954 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A memory exhaustion vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOS versions prior to 6.44.5 allows an authenticated remote attacker to crash the HTTP server and potentially reboot the system by exploiting a crafted HTTP request.

Understanding CVE-2019-13954

This CVE involves a specific vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOS that can be exploited by attackers to disrupt system operations.

What is CVE-2019-13954?

The vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOS versions before 6.44.5 allows an authenticated remote attacker to exhaust memory, leading to a crash of the HTTP server and potential system reboot.

The Impact of CVE-2019-13954

An attacker can crash the HTTP server and potentially reboot the system by sending a carefully crafted HTTP request.
The vulnerability does not permit the injection of malicious code.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-13954

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOS allows an authenticated remote attacker to exhaust memory, leading to a crash of the HTTP server and potential system reboot.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mikrotik RouterOS versions earlier than 6.44.5 in the long-term release tree are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by sending a carefully constructed HTTP request.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-13954 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mikrotik RouterOS to version 6.44.5 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to limit unauthorized access to the system.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Mikrotik promptly to address security vulnerabilities.