CVE-2020-3170 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability in the NX-API feature of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an NX-API system process to unexpectedly restart.

Understanding CVE-2020-3170

This CVE involves a denial of service vulnerability in Cisco NX-OS Software's NX-API feature.

What is CVE-2020-3170?

The vulnerability arises from incorrect validation of the HTTP header of a request sent to the NX-API, enabling an attacker to disrupt the NX-API system process through a crafted HTTP request.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3170

An unauthenticated attacker can trigger a denial of service (DoS) condition in the NX-API service.
The Cisco NX-OS device remains operational for passing network traffic despite the DoS.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3170

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of HTTP headers in requests to the NX-API, allowing attackers to disrupt system processes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco NX-OS Software 7.3(2)D1(1d)
Version: Unspecified

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending a specifically crafted HTTP request to the NX-API on affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3170 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the NX-API feature if not in use to mitigate the risk.
Regularly monitor Cisco's security advisories for updates and patches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply relevant patches and updates provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability effectively.