Cisco IOS Software Kernel Timer Vulnerability

A vulnerability in the kernel timers in Cisco IOS Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to trigger a reload of the affected device.

The vulnerability is due to improper management of kernel timers. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted traffic, causing updates to timers used by the Zone-Based Firewall feature.

Cisco has confirmed the vulnerability in a security notice and released software updates.

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker may need access to trusted, internal networks behind a firewall to send crafted traffic to the targeted device. This access requirement may reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.