CVE-2020-3480 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2020-3480, multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco IOS XE Software's Zone-Based Firewall feature that could allow attackers to cause denial of service. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures.
Multiple vulnerabilities in the Zone-Based Firewall feature of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause denial of service by reloading the device or stopping traffic forwarding.
Understanding CVE-2020-3480
This CVE involves vulnerabilities in Cisco IOS XE Software's Zone-Based Firewall feature that could be exploited by attackers to disrupt device functionality.
What is CVE-2020-3480?
The vulnerabilities in the Zone-Based Firewall feature of Cisco IOS XE Software could be leveraged by an unauthenticated remote attacker to cause the device to reload or halt traffic forwarding through the firewall. These vulnerabilities stem from incomplete handling of Layer 4 packets within the device.
The Impact of CVE-2020-3480
Exploiting these vulnerabilities could lead to a denial of service, where the attacker could force the device to reload or cease forwarding traffic through the firewall, impacting network availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3480
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerabilities are a result of incomplete handling of Layer 4 packets in the Zone-Based Firewall feature of Cisco IOS XE Software.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco IOS XE Software
- Vendor: Cisco
- Affected Version: Not Applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by sending specific traffic patterns through the device, triggering a reload or traffic interruption.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3480 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches promptly
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious patterns
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and firmware
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities
- Educate users and administrators on best security practices
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Cisco to address the vulnerabilities in the Zone-Based Firewall feature of Cisco IOS XE Software.