CVE-2022-20821 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 Jun 13, 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 Open Port Vulnerability
- Product
- Cisco IOS XR
- CISA description
- Cisco IOS XR software health check opens TCP port 6379 by default on activation. An attacker can connect to the Redis instance on the open port and allow access to the Redis instance that is running within the NOSi container.
- Type of flaw
- Software flaw (CWE-923)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 23, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 13, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2022-20821 ·
Questions about CVE-2022-20821
Is CVE-2022-20821 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2022-20821 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 23, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2022-20821?
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-2022-20821?
Only if you use Cisco IOS XR. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.