CVE-2022-20943 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2022-20943 involving multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco products' SMB2 processor. Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
Multiple vulnerabilities in the Server Message Block Version 2 (SMB2) processor of the Snort detection engine on multiple Cisco products could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass configured policies or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Understanding CVE-2022-20943
This CVE describes vulnerabilities in the Server Message Block Version 2 (SMB2) processor of the Snort detection engine impacting multiple Cisco products.
What is CVE-2022-20943?
CVE-2022-20943 involves improper management of system resources when the Snort detection engine processes SMB2 traffic. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by sending specific SMB2 packets through affected devices, leading to a potential denial of service (DoS) condition.
The Impact of CVE-2022-20943
Successful exploitation could trigger a reload of the Snort process, resulting in a DoS condition. Additionally, attackers could bypass configured policies when the snort preserve-connection option is enabled, potentially delivering malicious payloads to protected networks.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-20943
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerabilities stem from how the Snort detection engine handles SMB2 traffic, allowing attackers to overload the system and trigger a DoS condition.
Affected Systems and Versions
Products with Snort 3 configured are affected, while those configured with Snort 2 remain unaffected. For example, Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software versions 7.0.0 to 7.0.1.1 and Cisco Cyber Vision versions 3.0.0 to 4.1.1 are impacted.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers exploit the vulnerabilities by sending a high rate of specific SMB2 packets through devices, forcing the Snort process reload and causing a DoS condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations should apply available patches and updates from Cisco to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Additionally, consider disabling SMB2 traffic if not required.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor and update security configurations, conduct vulnerability assessments, and ensure network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
Refer to the Cisco Security Advisory for detailed information on patches and updates addressing CVE-2022-20943.