CVE-2020-3426 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-3426, a Cisco IOS Software vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to sensitive data or triggers a denial of service condition. Find out the impacted systems and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in the implementation of the Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) subsystem of Cisco IOS Software for Cisco 800 Series Industrial Integrated Services Routers and Cisco 1000 Series Connected Grid Routers could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Understanding CVE-2020-3426
This CVE involves a vulnerability in Cisco IOS Software that could be exploited by an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or trigger a DoS condition.
What is CVE-2020-3426?
The vulnerability arises from a lack of input and validation checking mechanisms for virtual-LPWA (VLPWA) protocol modem messages in the affected devices.
The Impact of CVE-2020-3426
If successfully exploited, an attacker could gain unauthorized read access to sensitive data or cause the VLPWA interface of the affected device to shut down, resulting in a DoS condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3426
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain unauthorized read access to sensitive data or cause a DoS condition due to inadequate input and validation checking mechanisms for VLPWA protocol modem messages.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco IOS 15.2(6)E4
- Vendor: Cisco
- Version: n/a
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by supplying crafted packets to the affected device, taking advantage of the lack of input and validation checks.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-3426, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the necessary security patches provided by Cisco.
- Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.
- Restrict network access to the affected devices.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
- Conduct regular security audits and assessments.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest patches and security fixes.