CVE-2023-20177 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2023-20177 affecting Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software. Unauthenticated remote attackers could exploit this SSL file policy vulnerability to cause Snort 3 engine restart.
This CVE-2023-20177 was published on November 1, 2023, by Cisco. It pertains to a vulnerability found in the SSL file policy implementation of Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software. The vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause the Snort 3 detection engine to restart unexpectedly.
Understanding CVE-2023-20177
This section will provide insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.
What is CVE-2023-20177?
The vulnerability in the SSL file policy implementation of Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software arises when an SSL/TLS connection is configured with a URL Category and the Snort 3 detection engine. It occurs due to a logic error when inspecting SSL/TLS connections with specific configurations. An attacker could exploit this to trigger an unexpected reload of the Snort 3 detection engine, leading to a bypass or denial of service condition.
The Impact of CVE-2023-20177
If successfully exploited, an attacker could cause the Snort 3 detection engine to restart, affecting device functionality. This could result in either a bypass or denial of service (DoS) condition, depending on the configuration of the affected device. Notably, the Snort 3 detection engine will restart automatically without manual intervention.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-20177
This section will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from a logic error in the inspection process of SSL/TLS connections with specific URL Category configurations. This flaw enables an attacker to trigger an unexpected reload of the Snort 3 detection engine.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability impacts various versions of Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software, ranging from 7.0.0 to 7.3.1.1. These versions are marked as 'affected'. It is crucial for users of these versions to take appropriate measures to address this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted SSL/TLS connection through an affected device, triggering the unexpected reload of the Snort 3 detection engine.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we will discuss the steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact of CVE-2023-20177 and prevent potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users of affected versions should apply necessary patches and updates provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for any signs of exploitation is recommended.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing robust security measures, such as network segmentation, access controls, and regular security assessments, can enhance overall cybersecurity posture and help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security advisories from Cisco and apply patches and updates as soon as they are available. Stay informed about security best practices and ensure that your systems are up-to-date with the latest security enhancements.