CVE-2020-3118 Cisco IOS XR: software flaw
In plain words: A mistake in the software that attackers have found a way to abuse. Depends on the product — see the description and the vendor advisory.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline May 3, 2022
What to do
- Install Cisco's security update for IOS XR. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Cisco IOS XR Software Discovery Protocol Format String Vulnerability
- Product
- Cisco IOS XR
- CISA description
- Cisco IOS XR improperly validates string input from certain fields in Cisco Discovery Protocol messages. Exploitation could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to execute code with administrative privileges or cause a reload on an affected device.
- Type of flaw
- Software flaw (CWE-134)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 3, 2021
- US federal patch deadline
- May 3, 2022
Ask Cleus about it
Ask about a vulnerability, an update, a weird message, or the news. Plain-word answers, free, no account.
Answering about CVE-2020-3118 ·
Questions about CVE-2020-3118
Is CVE-2020-3118 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2020-3118 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2020-3118?
Install Cisco's security update for IOS XR. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2020-3118?
Only if you use Cisco IOS XR. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.