CVE-2020-3188 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition by exploiting session timeouts for management connections.

Understanding CVE-2020-3188

What is CVE-2020-3188?

The vulnerability in Cisco FTD Software allows an unauthenticated attacker to create a DoS condition by overwhelming the device with remote management connections.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3188

The vulnerability could lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition, causing the remote management interface or Cisco Firepower Device Manager (FDM) to become unresponsive.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3188

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the default session timeout period for specific remote management connections being too long.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by sending a large number of crafted remote management connections, leading to a buildup of connections over time.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary security patches provided by Cisco.
Monitor network traffic for any unusual patterns that may indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware to prevent vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address any security gaps.

Patching and Updates

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