CVE-2019-1844 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Cisco Email Security Appliance Filter Bypass Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2019-1844

This CVE involves a flaw in the attachment detection mechanisms of the Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) that could be exploited by remote attackers.

What is CVE-2019-1844?

The vulnerability in the Cisco ESA allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass the device's filtering capability by sending specific file types without Content-Disposition information.

The Impact of CVE-2019-1844

The vulnerability could enable attackers to send harmful content to users through malicious messages, compromising the security of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-1844

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the attachment detection mechanisms of Cisco ESA allows attackers to bypass the device's filtering capability by sending specific file types without necessary information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA)
Vendor: Cisco
Versions Affected: < 11.1.1-030

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Base Score: 5.3 (Medium)
Privileges Required: None
Exploitation involves sending specific file types without Content-Disposition information to the device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity related to attachment handling.
Implement strong email filtering policies to mitigate potential risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems to prevent vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for employees to recognize and report suspicious emails.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of these patches to secure the affected systems.