CVE-2020-3488 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-3488 involving multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Multiple vulnerabilities in the Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) protocol processing of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition of an affected device. The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is not aware of any public announcements or malicious use of the vulnerabilities.
Understanding CVE-2020-3488
This CVE involves multiple vulnerabilities in the CAPWAP protocol processing of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers.
What is CVE-2020-3488?
The vulnerabilities in the CAPWAP protocol processing of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers could be exploited by an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to trigger a DoS condition on the affected device.
The Impact of CVE-2020-3488
The vulnerabilities could lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected device due to insufficient validation of CAPWAP packets. An attacker could crash and reload the affected device by sending a malformed CAPWAP packet.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3488
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerabilities are a result of insufficient validation of CAPWAP packets in Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco IOS XE Software
- Vendor: Cisco
- Versions: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Adjacent Network
- Availability Impact: High
- Base Score: 7.4 (High)
- Scope: Changed
- User Interaction: None
- Vector String: CVSS:3.0/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to address and prevent the vulnerabilities.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor patches promptly
- Monitor network traffic for signs of exploitation
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software and firmware
- Implement network segmentation and access controls
Patching and Updates
- Refer to the vendor's security advisory for patching instructions and updates