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Cisco 6000/6500/7600 Crafted Layer 2 Frame Vulnerability

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Advisory ID: cisco-sa-20040203-cat6k

http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20040203-cat6k

Revision 1.0

For Public Release 2004 Februrary 3 16:00  UTC (GMT)

Summary

A layer 2 frame (as defined in the Open System Interconnection Reference Model) that is encapsulating a layer 3 packet (IP, IPX, etc.) may cause Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series systems with Multilayer Switch Feature Card 2 (MSFC2) that have a FlexWAN or Optical Services Module (OSM) or that run 12.1(8b)E14 to freeze or reset, if the actual length of this frame is inconsistent with the length of the encapsulated layer 3 packet.

This vulnerability may be exploited repeatedly causing a denial of service.

This vulnerability has been addressed by the Cisco Bug IDs CSCdy15598 and CSCeb56052.

There is no workaround available. A software upgrade is needed to address the vulnerability.

This advisory will be posted on the Cisco worldwide website at http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20040203-cat6k.

Affected Products

Vulnerable Products

Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series systems with MSFC2 and a FlexWAN or OSM module are affected.

Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series systems with MSFC2 that are running 12.1(8b)E14 are affected even if they do not have a FlexWAN or OSM module.

Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series systems with a Supervisor 720 are not affected by this vulnerability.

The affected systems may be running Cisco IOS System Software or CatOS System Software.

The show module command can be used to determine if there is a FlexWAN or OSM module on the system. A FlexWAN module will have the part number WS-X6182-2PA. The OSM modules will have OSM in the part number.

Refer to http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/473/96.html for more information about determining the type of the the MSFC used on the system.

This vulnerability only affects Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series systems with the specified hardware or software configuration. All other systems are not affected by this vulnerability even though they may run affected versions of IOS.

To determine the software running on a Cisco product, log in to the device and issue the show version command to display the system banner. Cisco IOS software will identify itself as "Internetwork Operating System Software" or simply "IOS ®". On the next line of output, the image name will be displayed between parentheses, followed by "Version" and the IOS release name. Other Cisco devices will not have the show version command or will give different output.

The following example identifies a Cisco product running IOS release 12.1(11b) E1 with an installed image name of C6MSFC2-JSV-M:

Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software IOS (tm)

MSFC2 Software (C6MSFC2-JSV-M), Version 12.1(11b)E1, EARLY DEPLOYMENT RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable

No other Cisco products are currently known to be affected by this vulnerability.

Details

A layer 2 frame that is encapsulating a protocol independent layer 3 packet (IP, IPX, etc.) may cause Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series systems with an MSFC2 to freeze or reset. The actual length of the layer 2 frame needs to be inconsistent with the length of the encapsulated layer 3 packet.

A layer 3 packet that is routed by the Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series systems may trigger this vulnerability if the packet is encapsulated in a specifically crafted layer 2 frame. Crafted packets must be software switched on the vulnerable systems to trigger this vulnerability. The packets that are switched in hardware will not trigger this vulnerability.

Although such frames can only be sent from the local network segment, there might be some cases where it is possible to trigger this vulnerability remotely. For remote exploitation, the crafted layer 2 frames need to pass through all the intermediate layer 3 devices between the source and the destination without being clipped. Remote exploitation will not be possible even if only a single layer 3 device on the path from source to destination clips the crafted layer 2 frame. To the best of our knowledge, only Cisco 6000/ 6500/7600 series will forward such crafted frames without being corrected.

This vulnerability has been addressed by the Cisco Bug IDs CSCdy15598 and CSCeb56052.

  • CSCdy15598 — Affects Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series with an MSFC2 and a FlexWAN or OSM module. The systems that do not have a FlexWAN or OSM will not be affected by this bug.
  • CSCeb56052 — Affects Cisco 6000/6500/7600 series with an MSFC2 module. Only 12.1(8b)E14 is affected by this bug, other software versions are not affected. The systems without a FlexWAN or OSM will still be affected by this bug if they are running 12.1(8b)E14.

You can use the Bug Toolkit (registered customers only) to look up the details of these bugs.

Vulnerability Scoring Details

Cisco has provided scores for the vulnerabilities in this advisory based on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). The CVSS scoring in this Security Advisory is done in accordance with CVSS version 2.0.

CVSS is a standards-based scoring method that conveys vulnerability severity and helps determine urgency and priority of response.

Cisco has provided a base and temporal score. Customers can then compute environmental scores to assist in determining the impact of the vulnerability in individual networks.

Cisco has provided an FAQ to answer additional questions regarding CVSS at
http://www.cisco.com/web/about/security/intelligence/cvss-qandas.html .

Cisco has also provided a CVSS calculator to help compute the environmental impact for individual networks at
http://intellishield.cisco.com/security/alertmanager/cvss .

Impact

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in freeze or the reset of the system. A system that is frozen due to this vulnerability can be recovered by a system reset.

Repeated exploitation may lead to a denial of service until a fixed version of software has been loaded.

Software Versions and Fixes

Cisco IOS Software

Each row of the table below describes a release train and the platforms or products for which it is intended. If a given release train is vulnerable, then the earliest possible releases that contain the fix and the anticipated date of availability for each are listed in the Rebuild, Interim, and Maintenance columns. A device running any release in the given train that is earlier than the release in a specific column (less than the earliest fixed release) is known to be vulnerable, and it should be upgraded at least to the indicated release or a later version (greater than the earliest fixed release label).

When selecting a release, keep in mind the following definitions:

  • Rebuild—Constructed from the previous maintenance or major release in the same train, it contains the fix for a specific vulnerability. Although it receives less testing, it contains only the minimal changes necessary to effect the repair. Cisco has made available several rebuilds of mainline trains to address this vulnerability, but strongly recommends running only the latest maintenance release on mainline trains.
  • Interim—Built at regular intervals between maintenance releases and receives less testing. Interims should be selected only if there is no other suitable release that addresses the vulnerability, and interim images should be upgraded to the next available maintenance release as soon as possible. Interim releases are not available through manufacturing, and usually they are not available for customer download from CCO without prior arrangement with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
  • Maintenance—Most heavily tested and highly recommended release of any label in a given row of the table.

In all cases, customers should exercise caution to be certain the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, contact the Cisco TAC for assistance, as shown in the section following this table.

Trains

Availability of Fixed Releases

Rebuild

Interim

Maintenance

12.1E

12.1(8b)E15

12.1(13.5)E

12.1(19)E

12.1(11b)E14

—

—

12.1(13)E1

—

—

12.2SY

—

—

12.2(14)SY

12.2ZA

—

—

12.2(14)ZA

Cisco CatOS Software

Cisco CatOS is not affected by this vulnerability. In the case of CatOS System Software, there is no need to change the Cisco CatOS software version.

Workarounds

There is no workaround available. The vulnerability can not be mitigated by reconfiguring the affected systems. A software upgrade is needed.

Obtaining Fixed Software

Cisco has released free software updates that address these vulnerabilities. Prior to deploying software, customers should consult their maintenance provider or check the software for feature set compatibility and known issues specific to their environment.

Customers may only install and expect support for the feature sets they have purchased. By installing, downloading, accessing or otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to be bound by the terms of Cisco's software license terms found at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/warranty/English/EU1KEN_.html , or as otherwise set forth at Cisco.com Downloads at http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-center/sw-usingswc.shtml .

Do not contact psirt@cisco.com or security-alert@cisco.com for software upgrades

Customers with Service Contracts

Customers with contracts should obtain upgraded software through their regular update channels. For most customers, this means that upgrades should be obtained through the Software Center on Cisco's worldwide website at http://www.cisco.com.

Customers using Third Party Support Organizations

Customers whose Cisco products are provided or maintained through prior or existing agreements with third-party support organizations, such as Cisco Partners, authorized resellers, or service providers should contact that support organization for guidance and assistance with the appropriate course of action in regards to this advisory.

The effectiveness of any workaround or fix is dependent on specific customer situations, such as product mix, network topology, traffic behavior, and organizational mission. Due to the variety of affected products and releases, customers should consult with their service provider or support organization to ensure any applied workaround or fix is the most appropriate for use in the intended network before it is deployed.

Customers without Service Contracts

Customers who purchase direct from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract, and customers who purchase through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should acquire upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC). TAC contacts are as follows.

  • +1 800 553 2447 (toll free from within North America)
  • +1 408 526 7209 (toll call from anywhere in the world)
  • e-mail: tac@cisco.com

Customers should have their product serial number available and be prepared to give the URL of this notice as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade. Free upgrades for non-contract customers must be requested through the TAC.

Refer to http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/tsd_cisco_worldwide_contacts.html for additional TAC contact information, including localized telephone numbers, and instructions and e-mail addresses for use in various languages.

Exploitation and Public Announcements

The Cisco PSIRT is not aware of any public announcements or malicious use of the vulnerability described in this advisory.

Status of this Notice: Final

THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DOES NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE DOCUMENT OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE DOCUMENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME.

A stand-alone copy or Paraphrase of the text of this document that omits the distribution URL in the following section is an uncontrolled copy, and may lack important information or contain factual errors.


Distribution

This advisory is posted on Cisco's worldwide website at:

http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20040203-cat6k

In addition to worldwide web posting, a text version of this notice is clear-signed with the Cisco PSIRT PGP key and is posted to the following e-mail and Usenet news recipients.

  • cust-security-announce@cisco.com
  • first-teams@first.org
  • bugtraq@securityfocus.com
  • vulnwatch@vulnwatch.org
  • cisco@spot.colorado.edu
  • cisco-nsp@puck.nether.net
  • full-disclosure@lists.grok.org.uk
  • comp.dcom.sys.cisco@newsgate.cisco.com

Future updates of this advisory, if any, will be placed on Cisco's worldwide website, but may or may not be actively announced on mailing lists or newsgroups. Users concerned about this problem are encouraged to check the above URL for any updates.


Revision History

Revision 1.0

2004-February-03

Initial public release.

Cisco Security Procedures

Complete information on reporting security vulnerabilities in Cisco products, obtaining assistance with security incidents, and registering to receive security information from Cisco, is available on Cisco's worldwide website at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_vulnerability_policy.html. This includes instructions for press inquiries regarding Cisco security notices. All Cisco security advisories are available at http://www.cisco.com/go/psirt.