CVE-2023-20056 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the management CLI of Cisco access point (AP) software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient input validation of commands supplied by the user. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to a device and submitting crafted input to the affected command, leading to a spontaneous reload of the affected device and resulting in a DoS condition.

Understanding CVE-2023-20056

This section explores the nature of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies to address the issue effectively.

What is CVE-2023-20056?

CVE-2023-20056 is a vulnerability in Cisco access point (AP) software that allows an authenticated, local attacker to trigger a denial of service (DoS) condition by exploiting insufficient input validation in the management CLI.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20056

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a spontaneous reload of the affected device, causing a denial of service condition that disrupts normal device operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20056

The technical aspects of the vulnerability shed light on its description, affected systems, and the mechanism through which it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the management CLI of Cisco access point software arises due to insufficient input validation, allowing attackers to disrupt device functionality by submitting crafted input to trigger a reload.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Cisco Aironet Access Point Software with affected versions being unspecified.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the device and submitting specially crafted input to the affected command, leading to a reload of the device and subsequent denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-20056 requires immediate action to prevent potential exploitation and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco recommends applying updates or patches provided by the vendor to remediate the vulnerability.
Implement strong authentication measures to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to affected devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories from Cisco and other relevant sources to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for personnel to enhance awareness of best practices for secure device management.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply patches or updates released by Cisco to address the vulnerability promptly. Regularly check for security advisories from Cisco to ensure that the software is up to date and protected against known vulnerabilities.