CVE-2020-3399 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in the Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) protocol processing of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition of an affected device.

Understanding CVE-2020-3399

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the CAPWAP protocol processing of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers.

What is CVE-2020-3399?

The vulnerability in the CAPWAP protocol processing of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers allows a remote attacker to trigger a DoS condition by sending a crafted CAPWAP packet.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3399

CVSS Base Score: 8.6 (High Severity)
Attack Vector: Network
Availability Impact: High
The vulnerability could lead to a DoS condition on the affected device.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3399

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a result of insufficient input validation during CAPWAP packet processing, leading to a buffer over-read and potential device crash.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Cisco IOS XE Software
Affected Versions: Not Applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted CAPWAP packet to the affected device, causing a buffer over-read and device crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3399 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious CAPWAP packets.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about security best practices.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has likely released patches or updates to address this vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.