Cisco is advising Windows users of its Cisco Security Agent software to upgrade the product because of a security bug.
The flaw lies in a driver used by the client software. By sending maliciously crafted data to the PC, attackers could create a buffer overflow condition in the Windows kernel, causing the system to crash.
Security firm Secunia rates the crash flaw "moderately critical," but the vulnerability could be used by attackers to also run unauthorized software on the Windows machine, Cisco warned.
Cisco released hotfixes for the bug on Wednesday. A large number of Cisco products install this agent, including the Cisco Security Manager, Cisco Unified Communications Manager and the Cisco Voice Portal.
If attackers find a way to exploit this flaw to run code, it could become a serious security problem.
"Back in 2004, such a vulnerability would probably have led to a flurry of noisy network worms," wrote Daniel Wesemann, a handler with the SANS Internet Storm Center, in a blog posting. "Today, drive-by installs of spyware are more likely, but at least as damaging. The bottom line is still the same: If you are using the vulnerable component, patch as soon as possible."
The buffer overflow can be caused by sending a malicious TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) packet to ports 139 or 445, the ports used by the Microsoft Server Message Block file-sharing protocol.
This whitepaper explains the terminology and concepts behind Data Replication technologies and establishes some sizing rules through worked examples. Learn the new paradigm in disaster tolerance—protect data anywhere.
Download now »
Server virtualization is a popular option for dealing with mounting datacenter costs. Another equally promising approach is the use of an Application Delivery Controller. Citrix NetScaler provides a low-cost way for organizations to reduce their server count and accrue cost savings from a reduction in space, cooling, power and personnel.
Download now »
The emergence of WLANs has created a new breed of security threats to enterprise networks.
Included in HP ProCurve WLAN solutions is security technology that alleviates threats from WLANs through:
* Monitoring wireless activity inside and out of the enterprise
* Classifying WLAN transmissions into harmful and harmless
* Preventing transmissions that pose a security threat to the enterprise network
* Locating participating devices for physical remediation
Effectively address data protection challenges, implementing solutions that help store and protect business–critical data while cutting costs and improving efficiency and reliability.
Download now »
Sign up to receive Security Resource Alerts
This white paper provides guidance on how to develop a strategic approach to managing and monitoring logs, a key function required for compliance with many regulatory mandates and a critical defense against security threats.
Download now! »
Learn about the processes and technologies that support security information management (SIM) operations, as well as the business case for SIM. The series examines different options for implementing SIM and gives you evaluation criteria for selecting the best option for your organization.
Download now! »
Learn the strategies, actions, and capabilities that Best-in-Class organizations employ and technologies they choose to obtain superior performance against various security performance metrics. This report provides guidelines for identifying which security solutions to consume as a MSS and defines best practices for choosing and managing MSSPs.
Download now! »
Recommend This
