CVE-2014-7992

Vulnerability

The DLSw (Data Link Switching) implementation in Cisco IOS does not properly initialize packet buffers before use. This memory disclosure vulnerability, identified as Bug ID CSCur14014, allows uninitialized memory to be sent over TCP port 2067. Affected versions include various Cisco IOS releases running DLSw; specific versions are not detailed in the available references [1].

Exploitation

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by establishing a DLSw session on TCP port 2067. No authentication is required; the attacker only needs network access to the target device. By sending crafted packets, the attacker triggers the device to transmit uninitialized buffer contents, which may contain sensitive information from process memory.

Impact

Successful exploitation results in the disclosure of sensitive credential information, such as passwords or other authentication data, from the Cisco IOS process memory. This information disclosure could enable further attacks or unauthorized access to the network device.

Mitigation

Cisco has released a security notice for this vulnerability [1]. Users should apply the appropriate software updates from Cisco as recommended in the advisory. If patching is not immediately possible, consider restricting access to TCP port 2067 to trusted hosts only. No workarounds are detailed in the available references.