CVE-2019-1964 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Cisco NX-OS Software IPv6 Denial of Service Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2019-1964

This CVE involves a weakness in Cisco NX-OS Software's handling of IPv6 traffic, potentially allowing unauthorized attackers to trigger an unexpected restart of the netstack process on affected devices.

What is CVE-2019-1964?

The vulnerability stems from inadequate verification of IPv6 traffic passing through the affected device, enabling attackers to exploit it by sending malformed IPv6 packets, leading to a denial of service (DoS) situation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-1964

CVSS Base Score: 8.6 (High Severity)
Attack Vector: Network
Availability Impact: High
Successful exploitation could result in a DoS condition and potentially lead to a complete device reboot.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-1964

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Cisco NX-OS Software allows attackers to disrupt the netstack process by sending malformed IPv6 packets, potentially causing a DoS situation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Cisco NX-OS Software 8.1(1)
Vulnerable Versions: Less than 8.4(1)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending poorly formed IPv6 packets through the affected device, triggering a restart of the netstack process and potentially leading to a DoS situation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-1964 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-recommended patches promptly.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users and IT staff on best security practices.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has likely released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure timely application of these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.