CVE-2019-1746 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) processing code in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to trigger a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation when processing CMP management packets. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious CMP management packets to an affected device. A successful exploit could cause the switch to crash, resulting in a DoS condition. The switch will reload automatically.

Understanding CVE-2019-1746

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software that could lead to a denial of service (DoS) attack.

What is CVE-2019-1746?

The processing code of the Cluster Management Protocol (CMP) in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software has a vulnerability that could be exploited by an unauthorized attacker nearby to cause a denial of service (DoS) on the device. The vulnerability is a result of insufficient validation of input during the processing of CMP management packets. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would send malicious CMP management packets to the affected device. If successful, the exploit would cause the switch to crash, resulting in a DoS condition. The switch will then reload automatically.

The Impact of CVE-2019-1746

The vulnerability poses a high risk with a CVSS base score of 7.4, indicating a high severity level. The attack complexity is low, but the availability impact is high, potentially leading to a DoS condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-1746

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the CMP processing code allows an adjacent attacker to send malicious packets, leading to a DoS condition by crashing the affected device.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software versions 3.2.0SG to 16.12.1 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

An unauthenticated attacker can exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted CMP management packets to the device, causing it to crash and reload automatically.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and apply patches as soon as they are released.