Cisco ExtraBacon Exploit: NSA Firewall Hack Explained

Posted: August 24, 2016 to News.

Tags: Data Breach, Malware, Compliance

Last week we reported on the newly found exploit in Cisco System firewalls that was part of the data dump of stolen files from the NSA’s Equation Group. Well, it turns out the vulnerability affects more Cisco models than was previously thought. Dubbed ExtraBacon, the exploit has code that keeps it from working on newer versions of Cisco’s Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), their line of firewalls used by corporations, government agencies, and any other large organizations. When used on a version 8.4(5) or newer of ASA, ExtraBacon sends back an error message, but security experts have been able to do a little tweaking and get it to work on newer versions. When ExtraBacon works, it allows an attacker to take control over a firewall remotely, though they already have to have access to the network to do so. This slightly modified version is a perfect example of how difficult vulnerabilities in code can be to get rid of and how even if found in older versions, they be trouble for newer ones. Considering using ExtraBacon requires already having access to a network and the effort required to modify it, it’s probably not an issue for most organizations running newer versions of ASA. While Cisco has yet to release a patch for the vulnerability, they have released software that allows customers to detect and stop ExtraBacon attacks.

Related Resources

Learn more about how Petronella Technology Group can help:

Need help implementing these strategies? Our cybersecurity experts can assess your environment and build a tailored plan.

Get Free Assessment

Explore Our Services

Cybersecurity AI Services Compliance HIPAA CMMC Managed IT

About the Author

Craig Petronella

CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books

Related Service

Need Cybersecurity or Compliance Help?

Schedule a free consultation with our cybersecurity experts to discuss your security needs.

Schedule Free Consultation

Free cybersecurity consultation available Schedule Now

Cisco ExtraBacon Exploit: NSA Firewall Hack Explained

Related Resources

Related Articles

About the Author