Cisco CatOS Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
Risk
High
Date Discovered
04-24-2003
Description
A vulnerability has been reported for Cisco Catalyst switches that may result in unauthorized access to the enable level.
The vulnerability exists due to the way the 'enable' mode is accessed through the switch.
An attacker who is able to obtain command line access to a vulnerable switch is able to access 'enable' mode without a password.
Components Affected
Cisco Catalyst 4000 7.5 (1)
Cisco Catalyst 6000 7.5 (1)
Cisco Catalyst 6500 7.5 (1)
Recommendations
Block external access at the network boundary, unless service is required by external parties.
Configure the affected switch so that telnet/ssh connections are permitted from trusted hosts and networks only.
Permit privileged access for trusted individuals only.
Ensure that only trustworthy individuals are capable of connecting to vulnerable Catalyst Switches.
Implement multiple redundant layers of security.
The use of AAA configurations will prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Ensure that AAA configurations are used and are not configured for fallback to local authentication.
This vulnerability is given the Cisco BugID of CSCea42030.
This vulnerability does not affect Catalyst 4000, 6000 and 6500 switches running CatOS 7.6(1). Affected users are advised to contact Cisco to obtain fixes.
Cisco Catalyst 4000 7.5 (1):
Cisco Catalyst 6000 7.5 (1):
Cisco Catalyst 6500 7.5 (1):
References
Source: Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco Catalyst Enable Password Bypass Vulnerability
URL: http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20030424-catos.shtml
Credits
Discovery of this vulnerability credited to Marco P. Rodrigues.
Copyright (c) 2003 by Symantec Corp.
Permission to redistribute this alert electronically is granted as long as it is not edited in any way unless authorized by Symantec Security Response. Reprinting the whole or part of this alert in any medium other than electronically requires permission from symsecurity@symantec.com.
Disclaimer
The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.
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