CVE-2020-3201 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the Tool Command Language (Tcl) interpreter of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Understanding CVE-2020-3201

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software that could lead to a DoS attack.

What is CVE-2020-3201?

The vulnerability in the Tcl interpreter of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software allows an attacker with privileged credentials to trigger a DoS attack by exploiting insufficient input validation.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3201

CVSS Base Score: 6.0 (Medium Severity)
Attack Vector: Local
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: High
Availability Impact: High

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3201

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in the Tcl interpreter, enabling attackers to execute malicious Tcl arguments and cause affected devices to reload, resulting in a DoS condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Cisco IOS 12.2(25)S
Vendor: Cisco
Affected Versions: n/a

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by executing crafted Tcl arguments on affected devices, leading to a reload and subsequent DoS condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3201 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly.
Monitor network traffic for signs of exploitation.
Restrict access to privileged EXEC credentials.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct security training for staff to recognize and respond to security threats.
Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems.
Stay informed about security advisories and best practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of patches and updates provided by Cisco to mitigate the vulnerability.