CVE-2023-20200 : What You Need to Know

This CVE was published by Cisco on August 23, 2023, and pertains to a vulnerability in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) service of Cisco FXOS Software for Firepower 4100 Series and Firepower 9300 Security Appliances, as well as Cisco UCS 6300 Series Fabric Interconnects. The vulnerability could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2023-20200

This section delves deeper into the details surrounding CVE-2023-20200.

What is CVE-2023-20200?

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of specific SNMP requests, which could be exploited by sending a crafted SNMP request to the affected device. Successful exploitation could result in the device reloading, leading to a DoS condition. It is important to note that all supported SNMP versions are affected by this vulnerability, requiring different levels of information for exploitation based on the SNMP version.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20200

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it can enable attackers to disrupt the normal functioning of the affected devices, potentially leading to service downtime and operational disturbances.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20200

This section provides a more technical overview of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the SNMP service of Cisco FXOS Software and Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects stems from the mishandling of SNMP requests, allowing attackers to trigger a DoS condition by sending malicious requests to the device.

Affected Systems and Versions

Various versions of Cisco Unified Computing System (Managed) and Cisco Firepower Extensible Operating System (FXOS) are impacted by this vulnerability, as listed in the provided data.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by understanding the specific SNMP version running on the target device and then sending a crafted SNMP request to trigger the DoS condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your systems from CVE-2023-20200 is crucial to maintaining the security and availability of your network infrastructure.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply any available patches or updates provided by Cisco to address this vulnerability promptly. Additionally, monitoring SNMP traffic and access to SNMP services can help detect and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing network segmentation, restricting access to SNMP services, and regularly updating device firmware are essential practices to enhance overall network security and resilience against potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and apply patches and updates in a timely manner to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-20200. Regularly reviewing and updating SNMP community strings and credentials can also enhance security posture.