CVE-2019-1768 : Security Advisory and Response

Cisco NX-OS Software Buffer Overflow and Command Injection Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2019-1768

This CVE involves a security flaw in a specific CLI command implementation in Cisco NX-OS Software, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges.

What is CVE-2019-1768?

The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of arguments passed to the affected CLI command, enabling an authenticated attacker with local access and administrator credentials to trigger a buffer overflow or inject commands. Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to run arbitrary commands with root privileges on the device's OS.

The Impact of CVE-2019-1768

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.7 (Medium severity) with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploiting this flaw requires valid administrator credentials.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-1768

Vulnerability Description

Security flaw in a specific CLI command implementation in Cisco NX-OS Software
Allows an authenticated attacker to trigger buffer overflow or inject commands
Enables execution of arbitrary commands with elevated privileges

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco NX-OS Software
Vendor: Cisco
Versions Affected: < 8.3(1)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacker with local access and admin credentials inserts malicious input as the command's argument
Successful exploitation leads to running arbitrary commands with root privileges

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches and updates promptly
Monitor network for any unauthorized access or unusual activities
Restrict access to vulnerable systems to authorized personnel only

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit access rights
Conduct security training for staff to recognize and report suspicious activities

Patching and Updates

Cisco has released patches to address the vulnerability
Regularly check for security advisories and apply updates as soon as they are available