A vulnerability in the Image Signature Verification feature of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with administrator-level credentials to install a malicious software patch on an affected device. The vulnerability is due to improper verification of digital signatures for patch images. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by loading an unsigned software patch on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to boot a malicious software patch image. Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability. This advisory is available at the following link: https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20190515-nxos-spsv
A vulnerability in the Image Signature Verification feature of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with administrator-level credentials to install a malicious software patch on an affected device.
The vulnerability is due to improper verification of digital signatures for patch images. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by loading an unsigned software patch on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to boot a malicious software patch image.
Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
This advisory is available at the following link:
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20190515-nxos-spsv
This vulnerability affects the following Cisco products if they are running a vulnerable release of Cisco NX-OS Software:
1. For the MDS products, only the MDS 9700 Series Multilayer Directors are affected by this vulnerability. All other MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Switches are not vulnerable.
For information about which Cisco NX-OS Software releases are vulnerable, see the Fixed Software section of this advisory.
Only products listed in the Vulnerable Products section of this advisory are known to be affected by this vulnerability.
Cisco has confirmed that this vulnerability does not affect the following Cisco products:
1. For the MDS products, only the MDS 9700 Series Multilayer Directors are affected by this vulnerability. All other MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Switches are not vulnerable.
There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
Cisco has released free software updates that address the vulnerability described in this advisory. Customers may only install and expect support for software versions and feature sets for which they have purchased a license. By installing, downloading, accessing, or otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to follow the terms of the Cisco software license: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/end-user-license-agreement.html
Additionally, customers may only download software for which they have a valid license, procured from Cisco directly, or through a Cisco authorized reseller or partner. In most cases this will be a maintenance upgrade to software that was previously purchased. Free security software updates do not entitle customers to a new software license, additional software feature sets, or major revision upgrades.
When considering software upgrades, customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for Cisco products, which are available from the Cisco Security Advisories and Alerts page, to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution.
In all cases, customers should ensure that the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and confirm that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, customers are advised to contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or their contracted maintenance providers.
Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco TAC: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.html
Customers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.
No upgrade action is necessary for customers who have already applied a recommended release to address the March 2019 Cisco FXOS and NX-OS Software bundle. See Cisco Event Response: March 2019 Cisco FXOS and NX-OS Software Security Advisory Bundled Publication for a list of advisories in the bundle.
Customers who have not applied a recommended release to address the March 2019 bundle are advised to upgrade to an appropriate release as indicated in the applicable table in this section. In the following tables, the left column lists Cisco NX-OS Software releases. The right column indicates the first release that includes the fix for this vulnerability.
MDS 9700 Series Multilayer Directors: CSCvi42248
| Cisco NX-OS Software Release | First Fixed Release for This Vulnerability |
|---|---|
| 5.2 | Not vulnerable |
| 6.2 | Not vulnerable |
| 7.3 | 8.1(1a) |
| 8.1 | 8.1(1a) |
| 8.2 | 8.3(1) |
| 8.3 | Not vulnerable |
| Cisco NX-OS Software Release | First Fixed Release for This Vulnerability |
|---|---|
| Prior to 6.2 | Not vulnerable |
| 6.2 | Not vulnerable |
| 7.2 | 7.3(3)D1(1) |
| 7.3 | 7.3(3)D1(1) |
| 8.0 | 8.2(3) |
| 8.1 | 8.2(3) |
| 8.2 | 8.2(3) |
| 8.3 | Not vulnerable |
For help determining the best Cisco NX-OS Software release for a Cisco Nexus Switch, administrators can refer to the following Recommended Releases documents. If a security advisory recommends a later release, Cisco recommends following the advisory guidance.
For help determining the best Cisco NX-OS Software release for Cisco UCS, refer to the Recommended Releases documents in the release notes for the device.Cisco MDS Series Switches
Cisco Nexus 1000V for VMware Switch
Cisco Nexus 3000 Series and 3500 Series Switches
Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switches
Cisco Nexus 5500 Platform Switches
Cisco Nexus 6000 Series Switches
Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series ACI-Mode Switches
The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is not aware of any public announcements or malicious use of the vulnerability that is described in this advisory.
This vulnerability was found during internal security testing.
To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy. This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.
| Version | Description | Section | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Initial public release. | - | Final | 2019-May-15 |
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