Cisco IOS Software Reverse SSH Denial of Service Vulnerability

The Secure Shell (SSH) server implementation in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software contains a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability in the SSH version 2 (SSHv2) feature. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by attempting a reverse SSH login with a crafted username. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to create a DoS condition by causing the device to reload. Repeated exploits could create a sustained DoS condition.

The SSH server in Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software is an optional service, but its use is highly recommended as a security best practice for the management of Cisco IOS devices. Devices that are not configured to accept SSHv2 connections are not affected by this vulnerability.

Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. This advisory is available at the following link: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20120328-ssh[“https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20120328-ssh”]

Note: The March 28, 2012, Cisco IOS Software Security Advisory bundled publication includes nine Cisco Security Advisories. Each advisory lists the Cisco IOS Software releases that correct the vulnerability or vulnerabilities detailed in the advisory as well as the Cisco IOS Software releases that correct all vulnerabilities in the March 2012 bundled publication.

Individual publication links are in “Cisco Event Response: Semi-Annual Cisco IOS Software Security Advisory Bundled Publication” at the following link:

http://www.cisco.com/web/about/security/intelligence/Cisco_ERP_mar12.html[“http://www.cisco.com/web/about/security/intelligence/Cisco_ERP_mar12.html”]