CVE-2023-20070 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability found in the TLS 1.3 implementation of the Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software. The vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to cause the Snort 3 detection engine to unexpectedly restart, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Understanding CVE-2023-20070

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-20070, shedding light on its nature, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20070?

CVE-2023-20070 is a vulnerability in the TLS 1.3 implementation of the Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software. It arises from a logic error in memory allocation during a TLS 1.3 session. An attacker exploiting this flaw could trigger the Snort 3 detection engine to reload, leading to a DoS scenario.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20070

The impact of CVE-2023-20070 is a denial of service (DoS) condition. By sending a crafted TLS 1.3 message sequence through an affected device, an attacker could force the Snort 3 detection engine to reload. Consequently, packets passing through the FTD device destined for the Snort engine will be dropped until the engine automatically restarts.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20070

To further understand CVE-2023-20070, let's explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the TLS 1.3 implementation of the Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software stems from a logic error in memory allocations during TLS 1.3 sessions. This flaw can be exploited by an unauthenticated, remote attacker under specific time-based constraints.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE affects Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software versions 7.2.0 and 7.2.0.1. Systems running these versions are susceptible to the vulnerability in the TLS 1.3 implementation.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit CVE-2023-20070 by sending a specially crafted TLS 1.3 message sequence through the affected Cisco device. This triggers the Snort 3 detection engine to reload, causing a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will outline the necessary steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-20070 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco advises users to apply the relevant security updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability promptly.
Network administrators are encouraged to monitor Cisco's security advisories and apply patches as soon as they become available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to mitigate the impact of potential attacks on critical systems.
Regularly update and patch software and firmware to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for organizations using Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software to stay informed about security updates released by Cisco. Timely patching of affected systems can help prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20070.