CVE-2017-3819: Input Validation
A privilege escalation vulnerability in the Secure Shell (SSH) subsystem in the StarOS operating system for Cisco ASR 5000 Series, ASR 5500 Series, ASR 5700 Series devices, and Cisco Virtualized Packet Core could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to gain unrestricted, root shell access. The vulnerability is due to missing input validation of parameters passed during SSH or SFTP login. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by providing crafted user input to the SSH or SFTP command-line interface (CLI) during SSH or SFTP login. An exploit could allow an authenticated attacker to gain root privileges access on the router. Note: Only traffic directed to the affected system can be used to exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability can be triggered via both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic. An established TCP connection toward port 22, the SSH default port, is needed to perform the attack. The attacker must have valid credentials to login to the system via SSH or SFTP. The following products have been confirmed to be vulnerable: Cisco ASR 5000/5500/5700 Series devices running StarOS after 17.7.0 and prior to 18.7.4, 19.5, and 20.2.3 with SSH configured are vulnerable. Cisco Virtualized Packet Core - Single Instance (VPC-SI) and Distributed Instance (VPC-DI) devices running StarOS prior to N4.2.7 (19.3.v7) and N4.7 (20.2.v0) with SSH configured are vulnerable. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCva65853.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Cisco StarOS (SSH/SFTP subsystem) on ASR 5000/5500/5700 series and Cisco Virtualized Packet Coreto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in N4.2.7 (19.3.v7) - Upgrade
Upgrade
Cisco StarOS (SSH/SFTP subsystem) on ASR 5000/5500/5700 series and Cisco Virtualized Packet Coreto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in N4.7 (20.2.v0) - Upgrade
Upgrade
Cisco StarOS on Cisco ASR 5000/5500/5700 seriesto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 18.7.4 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Cisco StarOS on Cisco ASR 5000/5500/5700 seriesto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 19.5 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Cisco StarOS on Cisco ASR 5000/5500/5700 seriesto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 20.2.3 - Compensating control
Restrict network traffic so that TCP connections toward port 22 (SSH default port) are only permitted from trusted sources; ensure only traffic directed to the affected system can reach port 22.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2017-3819?
CVE-2017-3819 is classified as a critical vulnerability due to its potential for privilege escalation that allows unauthorized root access.
How do I fix CVE-2017-3819?
To fix CVE-2017-3819, update your Cisco ASR 5000 Series or Virtualized Packet Core software to the recommended fixed versions provided by Cisco.
What are the affected devices for CVE-2017-3819?
CVE-2017-3819 affects Cisco ASR 5000 Series, ASR 5500 Series, and ASR 5700 Series devices, as well as Cisco Virtualized Packet Core.
What type of attack does CVE-2017-3819 enable?
CVE-2017-3819 enables authenticated remote attackers to escalate privileges and gain unrestricted root access to the affected systems.
Is CVE-2017-3819 easily exploitable?
CVE-2017-3819 is considered easily exploitable as it only requires the attacker to be authenticated on the device.