CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-20006NVD status: Modified

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software: Incorrect Conversion between Numeric Types

CVE-2023-20006 is a high-severity incorrect conversion between numeric types vulnerability in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software versions: 9.16.4; 9.18.2; 9.18.2.5. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.93% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 61% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on sec.cloudapps.cisco.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
CiscoCisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software9.16.4; 9.18.2; 9.18.2.5Not stated
CiscoCisco Firepower Threat Defense Software7.2.1; 7.2.2; 7.2.3Not stated
CiscoSecure Firewall Threat Defense7.2.1; 7.2.2; 7.2.3Not stated
CiscoAdaptive Security Appliance Software9.16.4; 9.18.2; 9.18.2.5Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
NoneNo data is disclosed.
Integrity
NoneNothing can be modified.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.18.6HighCNA (cisco.com)
CVSS 3.17.5HighNVD

Official description

A vulnerability in the hardware-based SSL/TLS cryptography functionality of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software for Cisco Firepower 2100 Series Appliances could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. This vulnerability is due to an implementation error within the cryptographic functions for SSL/TLS traffic processing when they are offloaded to the hardware. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted stream of SSL/TLS traffic to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause an unexpected error in the hardware-based cryptography engine, which could cause the device to reload.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Incorrect Conversion between Numeric Types

When converting from one data type to another, such as long to integer, data can be omitted or translated in a way that produces unexpected values. If the resulting values are used in a sensitive context, then dangerous behaviors may occur.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Avoid making conversion between numeric types. Always check for the allowed ranges.

More Incorrect Conversion between Numeric Types vulnerabilities (CWE-681)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software

All Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software vulnerabilities

Recent Incorrect Conversion between Numeric Types vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.