CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-20494NVD status: Analyzed

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software: Improper Validation of Specified Type of Input

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-20494 is a high-severity improper validation of specified type of input vulnerability in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) 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 Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software versions: 9.19.1; 9.19.1.5; 9.19.1.9, 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 0.52% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other 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) Software9.19.1; 9.19.1.5; 9.19.1.9; 9.19.1.12; 9.19.1.18; 9.19.1.22; 9.19.1.24; 9.19.1.27; and 9 more rangesNot stated
CiscoCisco Firepower Threat Defense Software7.3.0; 7.3.1; 7.3.1.1; 7.3.1.2; 7.4.0; 7.4.1; 7.4.1.1; 7.4.2Not stated
Ciscoadaptive_security_appliance_software9.19.1; 9.19.1.5; 9.19.1.9; 9.19.1.12; 9.19.1.18; 9.19.1.22; 9.19.1.24; 9.19.1.27; and 9 more rangesNot stated
Ciscofirepower_threat_defense_software7.3.0; 7.3.1; 7.3.1.1; 7.3.1.2; 7.4.0; 7.4.1; 7.4.1.1; 7.4.2Not stated
CiscoSecure Firewall Threat Defense7.3.0; 7.3.1; 7.3.1.1; 7.3.1.2; 7.4.0; 7.4.1; 7.4.1.1; 7.4.2Not 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 CNA (cisco.com).

Official description

A vulnerability in the TLS cryptography functionality of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause the device to reload unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. This vulnerability is due to improper data validation during the TLS 1.3 handshake. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted TLS 1.3 packet to an affected system through a TLS 1.3-enabled listening socket. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause the device to reload, resulting in a DoS condition. Note: This vulnerability can also impact the integrity of a device by causing VPN HostScan communication failures or file transfer failures when Cisco ASA Software is upgraded using Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM).

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

The underlying weakness: Improper Validation of Specified Type of Input

The product receives input that is expected to be of a certain type, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input is actually of the expected type.

More Improper Validation of Specified Type of Input vulnerabilities (CWE-1287)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
  3. 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 Improper Validation of Specified Type of Input vulnerabilities

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