CVE-2020-3533 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-3533, a high-severity SNMP denial-of-service vulnerability in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software. Find mitigation steps and patching recommendations here.
A vulnerability in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) input packet processor of Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to restart unexpectedly. This CVE was published on October 21, 2020.
Understanding CVE-2020-3533
This CVE pertains to a denial-of-service vulnerability in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software due to insufficient memory management protections under heavy SNMP polling loads.
What is CVE-2020-3533?
The vulnerability allows attackers to send a high rate of SNMP requests to the SNMP daemon through the management interface, leading to memory consumption and device restarts.
The Impact of CVE-2020-3533
The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.6, indicating a high severity level with a potential denial of service (DoS) condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3533
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in SNMP input packet processor of Cisco FTD Software allows remote attackers to trigger unexpected device restarts by consuming excessive system memory.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software
- Vendor: Cisco
- Affected Version: All versions of SNMP
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending a high rate of SNMP requests to the SNMP daemon through the management interface, causing memory exhaustion and device restarts.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-3533, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor patches and updates promptly.
- Implement network segmentation to limit SNMP exposure.
- Monitor SNMP traffic for anomalies.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
- Conduct security assessments and audits periodically.
- Educate users and administrators on security best practices.
Patching and Updates
- Cisco has released patches to address the vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of these updates.