CVE-2023-20191 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-20191 article provides detailed information about a vulnerability found in Cisco IOS XR Software, which could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass a configured access control list (ACL).

Understanding CVE-2023-20191

This section aims to explain the nature of CVE-2023-20191, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20191?

CVE-2023-20191 is a vulnerability in the access control list (ACL) processing on MPLS interfaces in the ingress direction of Cisco IOS XR Software. The flaw could enable an attacker to bypass a configured ACL due to incomplete support for this feature.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20191

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to bypass an ACL on the affected device. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access or the compromise of sensitive information within the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20191

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20191, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from incomplete support for ACL processing on MPLS interfaces in Cisco IOS XR Software, making it possible for an attacker to bypass configured ACLs by sending traffic through the affected device.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple versions of Cisco IOS XR Software are affected by this vulnerability, including versions ranging from 6.4.1 to 7.9.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by attempting to send traffic through an affected device, tricking the system into bypassing the configured ACLs.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-20191, it is crucial to take immediate steps to address the vulnerability, implement long-term security practices, and apply necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply workarounds provided by Cisco to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation by unauthorized entities.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to immediate measures, organizations should implement robust security practices, such as regular security audits, network segmentation, and access control policies, to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Cisco may release patches or updates to address CVE-2023-20191. It is imperative to stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and promptly apply any patches or updates to safeguard the system against known vulnerabilities.