CVE-2020-3234 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in the virtual console authentication of Cisco IOS Software for Cisco 809 and 829 Industrial Integrated Services Routers (Industrial ISRs) and Cisco 1000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR1000) could allow an authenticated but low-privileged, local attacker to log in to the Virtual Device Server (VDS) of an affected device by using a set of default credentials. The vulnerability is due to the presence of weak, hard-coded credentials. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the targeted device and then connecting to VDS through the device’s virtual console by using the static credentials. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to access the Linux shell of VDS as the root user.

Understanding CVE-2020-3234

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Cisco IOS Software that could potentially enable unauthorized access to the Virtual Device Server (VDS) of specific Cisco routers.

What is CVE-2020-3234?

The vulnerability allows a local attacker with low privileges to gain unauthorized access to the VDS using default credentials, compromising the security of the affected device.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3234

The vulnerability poses a high risk as it could lead to unauthorized access to critical systems, potentially allowing malicious actors to gain root access to the VDS.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3234

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from weak, hard-coded credentials in the virtual console authentication mechanism of Cisco IOS Software for specific router models.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco IOS 12.2(60)EZ16
Vendor: Cisco
Version: n/a

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Scope: Changed
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High
CVSS Base Score: 8.8 (High)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Change default credentials immediately
Implement strong, unique passwords for authentication
Monitor and restrict access to the VDS

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Cisco IOS Software
Conduct security audits and assessments periodically
Educate users on secure authentication practices

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability