Vulnerability Description
A vulnerability in the software image verification functionality of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches could allow an unauthenticated, physical attacker to execute unsigned code at system boot time. This vulnerability is due to an improper check in the code function that manages the verification of the digital signatures of system image files during the initial boot process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by loading unsigned software on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to boot a malicious software image or execute unsigned code and bypass the image verification check part of the boot process of the affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs either unauthenticated physical access to the device or privileged access to the root shell on the device. Note: In Cisco IOS XE Software releases 16.11.1 and later, root shell access is protected by the Consent Token mechanism. However, an attacker with level-15 privileges could easily downgrade the Cisco IOS XE Software running on a device to a release where root shell access is more readily available.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Ios Xe | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst 9200 | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst 9200Cx | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst 9200L | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200-24P | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200-24T | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200-48P | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200-48T | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-24P-4G | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-24P-4X | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-24Pxg-2Y | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-24Pxg-4X | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-24T-4G | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-24T-4X | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-48P-4G | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-48P-4X | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-48Pxg-2Y | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-48Pxg-4X | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-48T-4G | - |
| Cisco | Catalyst C9200L-48T-4X | - |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iVendor Advisory
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iVendor Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2022-20944?
CVE-2022-20944 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.1 (MEDIUM). A vulnerability in the software image verification functionality of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches could allow an unauthenticated, physical attacker to execute unsigned ...
How severe is CVE-2022-20944?
CVE-2022-20944 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.1/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2022-20944?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Cisco Ios Xe, Cisco Catalyst 9200, Cisco Catalyst 9200Cx, Cisco Catalyst 9200L, Cisco Catalyst C9200-24P.