CVE-2024-20401CWE-36

A vulnerability in the content scanning and message filtering features of Cisco Secure Email Gateway could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to…

Critical · published July 17, 2024

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
2%
Percentile
82.8
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A crafty email attachment can let an attacker overwrite files on your server, all without authentication! 🔥 Think of it like a sneaky courier delivering a package with a false ID, tricking the receptionist into granting access to critical server files without a proper check. If they succeed, they can change the locks, add new keyholders, or even shut down the office completely! If exploited, an attacker could gain root access, modify configurations, or execute harmful commands, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences like permanent denial of service. Imagine losing control of your entire email system or unwittingly handing over the keys to your network!

Put simply

Think of it like a sneaky courier delivering a package with a false ID, tricking the receptionist into granting access to critical server files without a proper check. If they succeed, they can change the locks, add new keyholders, or even shut down the office completely! This vulnerability arises from improper handling of email attachments in Cisco Secure Email Gateway when file analysis and content filters are active, allowing attackers to send specially crafted emails that exploit this flaw.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could gain root access, modify configurations, or execute harmful commands, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences like permanent denial of service. Imagine losing control of your entire email system or unwittingly handing over the keys to your network! Immediately update to the latest patch provided by Cisco. Review your email filtering settings and ensure robust file attachment handling is in place. If you're experiencing a denial of service, contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center for support to recover your device. You've got this! By taking these steps, you'll bolster your defenses and ensure your email systems are safe again. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02259 · 82.8th percentile
Weakness
CWE-36 · Absolute Path Traversal
Published
2024-07-17T16:26Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 17 JUL 16:26Z
    A vulnerability in the content scanning and message filtering features of Cisco Secure Email Gateway could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to…
    cvelistv5