CVE-2020-3284: cisco a99-rp2-se_firmware Improper Access Control

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2020-3284 is a critical (CVSS 9.8) Improper Access Control vulnerability in cisco a99-rp2-se_firmware. EPSS estimates a 2.89% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 86.6% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 06-11-2020
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 13-11-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A vulnerability in the enhanced Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) boot loader for Cisco IOS XR 64-bit Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute unsigned code during the PXE boot process on an affected device. The PXE boot loader is part of the BIOS and runs over the management interface of hardware platforms that are running Cisco IOS XR Software only. The vulnerability exists because internal commands that are issued when the PXE network boot process is loading a software image are not properly verified. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by compromising the PXE boot server and replacing a valid software image with a malicious one. Alternatively, the attacker could impersonate the PXE boot server and send a PXE boot reply with a malicious file. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute unsigned code on the affected device. Note: To fix this vulnerability, both the Cisco IOS XR Software and the BIOS must be upgraded. The BIOS code is included in Cisco IOS XR Software but might require additional installation steps. For further information, see the Fixed Software section of this advisory.

• CWE-284Improper Access ControlThe product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.