CVE-2019-1601: A vulnerability in the filesystem permissions of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain read and write access to a ...

Description

A vulnerability in the filesystem permissions of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain read and write access to a critical configuration file. The vulnerability is due to a failure to impose strict filesystem permissions on the targeted device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by accessing and modifying restricted files. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to use the content of this configuration file to bypass authentication and log in as any user of the device. MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Switches are affected in versions prior to 6.2(25), 8.1(1b), and 8.3(1). Nexus 3000 Series Switches are affected in versions prior to 7.0(3)I4(9) and 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 3500 Platform Switches are affected in versions prior to 6.0(2)A8(10) and 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 3600 Platform Switches are affected in versions prior to 7.0(3)F3(5). Nexus 2000, 5500, 5600, and 6000 Series Switches are affected in versions prior to 7.1(5)N1(1b) and 7.3(3)N1(1). Nexus 7000 and 7700 Series Switches are affected in versions prior to 6.2(22), 7.3(3)D1(1), and 8.2(3). Nexus 9000 Series Switches-Standalone are affected in versions prior to 7.0(3)I4(9) and 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 9500 R-Series Line Cards and Fabric Modules are affected in versions prior to 7.0(3)F3(5).

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.39%

31.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 8.2, < 8.3\(1\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 7.0\(3\), < 7.0\(3\)i7\(4\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 7.0\(3\)i5, < 7.0\(3\)i7\(4\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 7.0\(3\)f3, < 7.0\(3\)f3\(5\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 7.0\(3\)f1, < 7.0\(3\)f3\(5\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 7.3, < 8.1\(1b\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	< 6.2\(25\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	< 7.0\(3\)i4\(9\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 7.2, < 7.3\(3\)d1\(1\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	< 6.2\(22\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	< 6.0\(2\)a8\(10\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 7.2, < 7.3\(3\)n1\(1\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	< 7.1\(5\)n1\(1b\)
Cisco	Nx-Os	>= 8.0, < 8.1\(2\)

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/107404Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20190306-nxos-file-accessPatch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/107404Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20190306-nxos-file-accessPatch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 8, 2019
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2019-1601?

A vulnerability in the filesystem permissions of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain read and write access to a critical configuration file. The vulnerability is due to a failure to impose strict filesystem permissions on the targeted device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by accessing and modifying restricted files. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to use the content of this configuration file to bypass authentication and log in as any user of the device. MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Switches are affected in versions prior to 6.2(25), 8.1(1b), and 8.3(1). Nexus 3000 Series Switches are affected in versions prior to 7.0(3)I4(9) and 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 3500 Platform Switches are affected in versions prior to 6.0(2)A8(10) and 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 3600 Platform Switches are affected in versions prior to 7.0(3)F3(5). Nexus 2000, 5500, 5600, and 6000 Series Switches are affected in versions prior to 7.1(5)N1(1b) and 7.3(3)N1(1). Nexus 7000 and 7700 Series Switches are affected in versions prior to 6.2(22), 7.3(3)D1(1), and 8.2(3). Nexus 9000 Series Switches-Standalone are affected in versions prior to 7.0(3)I4(9) and 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 9500 R-Series Line Cards and Fabric Modules are affected in versions prior to 7.0(3)F3(5).

How severe is CVE-2019-1601?

CVE-2019-1601 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.39% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2019-1601?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.