CVE-2020-3213 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-3213, a privilege escalation vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software ROMMON component. Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in the ROMMON of Cisco IOS XE Software allows an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to the root user, potentially leading to arbitrary command execution.
Understanding CVE-2020-3213
This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software, impacting the ROMMON component.
What is CVE-2020-3213?
The vulnerability enables an attacker to pass special parameters during device boot-up, elevating privileges from Priv15 to root user status.
The Impact of CVE-2020-3213
- CVSS Score: 6.7 (Medium Severity)
- Attack Vector: Local
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
- Privileges Required: High
- The exploit could allow unauthorized users to execute commands with root user privileges.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3213
The following technical aspects are associated with this vulnerability:
Vulnerability Description
- The flaw in ROMMON allows for unauthorized privilege escalation by manipulating boot-up parameters.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: Cisco IOS XE Software 3.8.0S
- Version: n/a
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted parameters during the device's initial boot-up process.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-3213, consider the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Implement access controls to limit local user privileges.
- Monitor and restrict ROMMON parameter inputs during boot-up.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Cisco IOS XE Software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by Cisco to address the privilege escalation vulnerability.