CVE-2023-20067 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-20067 focuses on a vulnerability in the HTTP-based client profiling feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) that could potentially lead to a denial of service (DoS) attack. The attacker can exploit this vulnerability to cause CPU utilization to spike, resulting in a DoS condition on the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2023-20067

This section will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-20067, outlining what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-20067?

The vulnerability in question arises from insufficient input validation of traffic received by the HTTP-based client profiling feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers. An unauthenticated attacker within proximity can exploit this flaw to execute a DoS attack on a vulnerable device.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20067

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability has the potential to disrupt the normal operation of the affected device by causing a significant increase in CPU utilization. This can lead to a DoS condition, causing new wireless client associations to fail temporarily. However, once the malicious traffic ceases, the affected system can return to its normal operational state.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20067

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20067, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper input validation in the HTTP-based client profiling feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers. This oversight allows an attacker to trigger a DoS condition on the affected device by sending crafted traffic through a wireless access point.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless LAN Controllers, with all versions being susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An unauthenticated attacker within proximity of the affected device can exploit this vulnerability by sending maliciously crafted traffic through a wireless access point. This action can result in a spike in CPU utilization, potentially leading to a DoS condition on the device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-20067, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to implement network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive devices and services. Additionally, monitoring for unusual spikes in CPU utilization can help detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and audits should be conducted to identify and address vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure. Employee training on security best practices can also help prevent successful exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Cisco may release security patches or updates to address CVE-2023-20067. It is crucial to install these patches promptly to protect the network infrastructure from potential threats and vulnerabilities.