CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-20244NVD status: Modified

Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software: Missing Reference to Active Allocated Resource

CVE-2023-20244 is a high-severity missing reference to active allocated resource vulnerability in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software versions: 6.2.3; 6.2.3.1; 6.2.3.2, 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 1.04% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 65% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Cisco Firepower Threat Defense 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 Firepower Threat Defense Software6.2.3; 6.2.3.1; 6.2.3.2; 6.2.3.3; 6.2.3.4; 6.2.3.5; 6.2.3.6; 6.2.3.7; and 32 more rangesNot stated
CiscoSecure Firewall Threat Defense6.2.3; 6.2.3.1; 6.2.3.2; 6.2.3.3; 6.2.3.4; 6.2.3.5; 6.2.3.6; 6.2.3.7; and 32 more rangesNot 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
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
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:C/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.

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

Official description

A vulnerability in the internal packet processing of Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software for Cisco Firepower 2100 Series Firewalls could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper handling of certain packets when they are sent to the inspection engine. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a series of crafted packets to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to deplete all 9,472 byte blocks on the device, resulting in traffic loss across the device or an unexpected reload of the device. If the device does not reload on its own, a manual reload of the device would be required to recover from this state.

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

The underlying weakness: Missing Reference to Active Allocated Resource

The product does not properly maintain a reference to a resource that has been allocated, which prevents the resource from being reclaimed.

More Missing Reference to Active Allocated Resource vulnerabilities (CWE-771)

Timeline

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

References

Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software

All Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Software vulnerabilities

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