CVE-2020-3417 MEDIUM

CVE-2020-3417: Cisco IOS XE Software Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability

Vendor Cisco
Product Cisco IOS XE Software
Weakness CWE-78
Published September 24, 2020
Last update November 13, 2024

CVSS base score

6.8/10
Attack vector Adjacent
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required High
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

What the vulnerability does

01Description

A vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute persistent code at boot time and break the chain of trust. This vulnerability is due to incorrect validations by boot scripts when specific ROM monitor (ROMMON) variables are set. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing code to a specific directory in the underlying operating system (OS) and setting a specific ROMMON variable. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute persistent code on the underlying OS. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need access to the root shell on the device or have physical access to the device.

Key dates

02Disclosure timeline

September 24, 2020 CVE published
November 13, 2024 Record updated