Cisco IOS XE Software: Missing Initialization of a Variable
CVE-2023-20226 is a high-severity missing initialization of a variable vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE 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 IOS XE Software versions: 17.7.1; 17.7.1a; 17.7.2, 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 0.94% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 61% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Cisco IOS XE Software 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 IOS XE Software | 17.7.1; 17.7.1a; 17.7.2; 17.10.1; 17.10.1a; 17.8.1; 17.8.1a; 17.9.1; and 3 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | iOS Xe | 17.7.1; 17.7.1a; 17.7.2; 17.8.1; 17.8.1a; 17.9.1; 17.9.1a; 17.9.2; and 3 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
- 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 system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | CNA (cisco.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability in Application Quality of Experience (AppQoE) and Unified Threat Defense (UTD) on Cisco IOS XE Software 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 the mishandling of a crafted packet stream through the AppQoE or UTD application. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted packet stream through an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause the device to reload, resulting in a DoS condition.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Initialization of a Variable
The product does not initialize critical variables.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Ensure that critical variables are initialized before first use.
- Choose a language that is not susceptible to these issues.
More Missing Initialization of a Variable vulnerabilities (CWE-456)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco IOS XE Software
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
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