title: Cisco IOS XE Software Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability
description: A vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute persistent code at boot time and break the chain of trust. This vulnerability is due to incorrect validations by boot scripts when specific ROM monitor (ROMMON) variables are set. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by installing code to a specific directory in the underlying operating system (OS) and setting a specific ROMMON variable. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute persistent code on the underlying OS. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need access to the root shell on the device or have physical access to the device.
problem types: CWE-78
affected:
{
product: Cisco IOS XE Software
vendor: Cisco
versions:
status: affected, version: n/a
}
metrics:
cvssV3_1: [
attackComplexity: LOW
attackVector: ADJACENT_NETWORK
availabilityImpact: HIGH
baseScore: 6.8
baseSeverity: MEDIUM
confidentialityImpact: HIGH
integrityImpact: HIGH
privilegesRequired: HIGH
scope: UNCHANGED
userInteraction: NONE
vectorString: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
version: 3.1
]
exploits: 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.