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HomeTechnology & TelecomZero-Day Deja Vu: Chinese Hackers Target Cisco Switches Again

Zero-Day Deja Vu: Chinese Hackers Target Cisco Switches Again

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In a worrying repeat of a recent attack, cybersecurity researchers have uncovered another instance of Chinese cyber actors exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in Cisco Nexus NX-OS software. This article delves into the details of the exploit, the potential consequences, and offers actionable advice to help organizations using Cisco switches mitigate the risk.

Deja Vu with a Twist: The New Cisco Switch Zero-Day

Just months after a previous zero-day affecting Cisco NX-OS switches was discovered and patched in April 2024 (CVE-2024-20399) [1, 2], reports have emerged of a new critical vulnerability being actively exploited [3, 4]. This new flaw, currently unpatched and lacking a CVE identifier, reportedly allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on vulnerable Cisco Nexus devices.

While details about the specific exploit are still emerging, researchers suggest it involves a vulnerability in the command-line interface (CLI) of NX-OS. This raises concerns similar to the previous zero-day, where attackers leveraged a flaw in processing configuration commands to gain unauthorized access.

The Malicious Payload: Unveiling the Threat

The attackers appear to be leveraging the zero-day to deploy custom malware. The exact functionality of this malware remains under investigation, but researchers suspect it may enable attackers to:

  • Establish Persistence: Maintain long-term access to compromised devices for future malicious activities.
  • Lateral Movement: Move across the victim’s network to compromise additional systems.
  • Data Exfiltration: Steal sensitive information like financial records, intellectual property, or personal data.

The suspected Chinese origin of the attackers adds another layer of concern. China has a history of state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure and intellectual property.

Securing Your Cisco Nexus Devices: Mitigating the Zero-Day Threat

While a permanent fix awaits an official patch from Cisco, organizations using Cisco Nexus switches can take the following steps to mitigate the risk:

  1. Identify Vulnerable Devices: Audit your network to identify and isolate all Cisco Nexus devices running NX-OS.
  2. Disable Remote Access (if possible): If feasible, temporarily disable remote access to the management interfaces of your Cisco Nexus switches. This can significantly reduce the attack surface while a patch is awaited.
  3. Segment Your Network: Network segmentation can limit the potential damage if a device is compromised. This prevents attackers from easily pivoting to access critical systems from an initial foothold.
  4. Enable Strong Authentication: Enforce strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts on your Cisco Nexus devices.
  5. Monitor Network Activity: Closely monitor network activity for any suspicious behavior that might indicate a compromise. Security information and event management (SIEM) solutions can be valuable tools for this purpose.
  6. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. Subscribe to threat intelligence feeds from reputable security vendors.
  7. Prepare for an Incident: Develop a comprehensive incident response plan outlining the steps to take in case of a cyberattack. This plan should include procedures for identifying, containing, eradicating, and recovering from an attack.

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Collaboration

The recent exploitation of a new zero-day vulnerability in Cisco Nexus switches highlights the constant evolution of cyber threats. Organizations must remain vigilant and adopt a layered security approach to protect their networks.

Collaboration is also key. Sharing information about threats and best practices with other organizations and security vendors can help create a united front against cybercrime. By working together and prioritizing proactive security measures, we can build a more resilient digital ecosystem.

It’s important to note that Cisco is likely working on a patch for this vulnerability. Be sure to stay updated on official Cisco advisories and implement the patch as soon as it becomes available.

Ouaissou DEMBELE
Ouaissou DEMBELEhttp://cybercory.com
Ouaissou DEMBELE is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 12 years of experience, specializing in purple teaming, governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). He currently serves as Co-founder & Group CEO of Sainttly Group, a UAE-based conglomerate comprising Saintynet Cybersecurity, Cybercory.com, and CISO Paradise. At Saintynet, where he also acts as General Manager, Ouaissou leads the company’s cybersecurity vision—developing long-term strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding clients in identifying and mitigating evolving threats. As CEO, his mission is to empower organizations with resilient, future-ready cybersecurity frameworks while driving innovation, trust, and strategic value across Sainttly Group’s divisions. Before founding Saintynet, Ouaissou held various consulting roles across the MEA region, collaborating with global organizations on security architecture, operations, and compliance programs. He is also an experienced speaker and trainer, frequently sharing his insights at industry conferences and professional events. Ouaissou holds and teaches multiple certifications, including CCNP Security, CEH, CISSP, CISM, CCSP, Security+, ITILv4, PMP, and ISO 27001, in addition to a Master’s Diploma in Network Security (2013). Through his deep expertise and leadership, Ouaissou plays a pivotal role at Cybercory.com as Editor-in-Chief, and remains a trusted advisor to organizations seeking to elevate their cybersecurity posture and resilience in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

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