CVE-2020-3512 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability in the PROFINET handler for Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) messages of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to cause a crash on an affected device, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Understanding CVE-2020-3512

This CVE involves a denial of service vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software due to insufficient validation of LLDP messages in the PROFINET LLDP message handler.

What is CVE-2020-3512?

The vulnerability allows an attacker to send a malicious LLDP message to an affected device, leading to a device crash and potential reload.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3512

CVSS Base Score: 7.4 (High Severity)
Attack Vector: Adjacent Network
Availability Impact: High
The vulnerability does not require user interaction or privileges, making it easier for attackers to exploit.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3512

The technical details of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of LLDP messages in the PROFINET LLDP message handler.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Cisco IOS
Vendor: Cisco
Affected Version: n/a

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a malicious LLDP message to the affected device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-3512, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious LLDP messages.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for network administrators to enhance awareness of potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest security patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability effectively.