CVE-2022-20795 : What You Need to Know
Discover how CVE-2022-20795 affects Cisco ASA and Firepower Threat Defense Software, allowing remote attackers to trigger DoS conditions via crafted DTLS traffic.
A vulnerability has been identified in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition by exploiting the Datagram TLS (DTLS) protocol implementation.
Understanding CVE-2022-20795
This CVE concerns a flaw in the DTLS protocol implementation in Cisco ASA and FTD Software that could lead to high CPU utilization and a DoS condition.
What is CVE-2022-20795?
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to disrupt VPN connections by flooding devices with crafted DTLS traffic, leading to a DoS situation.
The Impact of CVE-2022-20795
Exploiting this vulnerability could exhaust resources on VPN headend devices, causing existing DTLS tunnels to cease traffic flow and preventing the establishment of new tunnels.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-20795
The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS base score of 5.8, categorizing it as a medium severity issue. The attack complexity is low, with the vector being network-based and availability impact rated as low.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises during DTLS tunnel establishment in AnyConnect SSL VPN connections due to suboptimal processing, allowing attackers to disrupt services.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Cisco ASA Software and FTD Software with all versions susceptible to exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending a continuous stream of malicious DTLS traffic to targeted devices to trigger a DoS scenario.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2022-20795, immediate action is essential to safeguard VPN services and prevent service disruptions.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations should apply relevant patches and configurations to mitigate the vulnerability and reduce the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing network segmentation, access controls, and ongoing monitoring can enhance security posture against potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
Regularly monitor vendor advisories and apply security updates promptly to address known vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats.