CVE-2019-1747 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2019-1747, a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software that could allow attackers to trigger a denial of service (DoS) condition by exploiting the Short Message Service (SMS) handling function.
A vulnerability in the Short Message Service (SMS) handling function in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software could allow an unauthorized attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) situation on a targeted device without authentication.
Understanding CVE-2019-1747
This CVE involves a flaw in the SMS handling function in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software, potentially leading to a DoS attack.
What is CVE-2019-1747?
The vulnerability arises from inadequate processing of SMS protocol data units (PDUs) using a specific character set, allowing an attacker to crash the wireless WAN cellular interface module on the affected device by sending a malicious SMS message.
The Impact of CVE-2019-1747
- CVSS Base Score: 8.6 (High Severity)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Availability Impact: High
- Successful exploitation could lead to a DoS situation requiring manual intervention to restore normal operation.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-1747
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is a result of improper processing of SMS PDUs encoded with a special character set, allowing remote attackers to trigger a DoS condition on affected devices.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software
- Affected Version: 16.10.1
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending a malicious SMS message to the targeted device.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-1747 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious SMS messages.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
- Educate users on identifying and reporting suspicious messages.
- Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems.
- Conduct regular security audits and assessments.
Patching and Updates
- Cisco has released patches to address the vulnerability.
- Ensure all affected systems are updated to the latest patched versions.