Cisco NX-OS System Software in ACI Mode: Inadequate Encryption Strength
CVE-2023-20185 is a high-severity inadequate encryption strength vulnerability in Cisco NX-OS System Software in ACI Mode from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Cisco NX-OS System Software in ACI Mode versions: 14.0(1h); 14.0(2c); 14.0(3d), and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.34% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Cisco NX-OS System Software in ACI Mode you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on sec.cloudapps.cisco.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Cisco NX-OS System Software in ACI Mode | 14.0(1h); 14.0(2c); 14.0(3d); 14.0(3c); 14.1(1i); 14.1(1j); 14.1(1k); 14.1(1l); and 32 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | Nx-os | 14.0\(1h\); 14.0\(2c\); 14.0\(3c\); 14.0\(3d\); 14.1\(1i\); 14.1\(1j\); 14.1\(1k\); 14.1\(1l\); and 32 more ranges | Not 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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- 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
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.4 | High | CNA (cisco.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.4 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability in the Cisco ACI Multi-Site CloudSec encryption feature of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Fabric Switches in ACI mode could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to read or modify intersite encrypted traffic. This vulnerability is due to an issue with the implementation of the ciphers that are used by the CloudSec encryption feature on affected switches. An attacker with an on-path position between the ACI sites could exploit this vulnerability by intercepting intersite encrypted traffic and using cryptanalytic techniques to break the encryption. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to read or modify the traffic that is transmitted between the sites. Cisco has not released and will not release software updates that address this vulnerability.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Inadequate Encryption Strength
The product stores or transmits sensitive data using an encryption scheme that is theoretically sound, but is not strong enough for the level of protection required.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
More Inadequate Encryption Strength vulnerabilities (CWE-326)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco NX-OS System Software in ACI Mode
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Inadequate Encryption Strength vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
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