CVE-2020-3496 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-3496, a vulnerability in Cisco Small Business Smart and Managed Switches allowing remote attackers to cause a denial of service condition. Find mitigation steps and impact details.
A vulnerability in the IPv6 packet processing engine of Cisco Small Business Smart and Managed Switches could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device.
Understanding CVE-2020-3496
This CVE involves a vulnerability in Cisco Small Business Smart and Managed Switches that could lead to a DoS attack.
What is CVE-2020-3496?
The vulnerability in the IPv6 packet processing engine of Cisco Small Business Smart and Managed Switches allows an attacker to disrupt device operation by sending a crafted IPv6 packet.
The Impact of CVE-2020-3496
- An unauthenticated remote attacker can cause a DoS condition on affected devices by exploiting this vulnerability.
- The attacker can make the switch management CLI unresponsive, affecting device operation.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3496
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
- Insufficient validation of incoming IPv6 traffic leads to the vulnerability.
- Attackers can exploit this by sending a specially crafted IPv6 packet through the affected device.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco Small Business 250 Series Smart Switches Software
- Vendor: Cisco
- Version: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Network
- Availability Impact: Low
- Base Score: 5.3 (Medium Severity)
- The vulnerability does not require privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3496 is crucial for maintaining network security.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches or updates to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
- Keep systems up to date with the latest security patches and configurations.
Patching and Updates
- Regularly check for security advisories from Cisco and apply recommended patches promptly.