Hackers race to expose Cisco Internet flaw

LAS VEGAS, July 31 (Reuters) - Computer hackers worked through the weekend to expose a flaw that could allow an attacker to take control of the Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO,Trade) routers that direct traffic across much of the Internet.

Security researcher Michael Lynn first described the flaw on Wednesday at the Black Hat conference over the objections of Cisco and his former employer, Internet Security Systems Inc. (ISSX).

COURT ORDER

After his presentation Cisco and ISS obtained a court order barring Lynn and the Black Hat organization from further disseminating details of the flaw. Cisco employees ripped Lynn's presentation from the conference program, according to witnesses, and Black Hat handed over its video recording of his talk.

"ISS and Cisco's actions with Mr. Lynn and Black Hat were not based on the fact that a flaw was identified, rather that they chose to address the issue outside of established industry practices," said Cisco spokeswoman Mojgan Khalili, who added that the company is committed to protecting its customers.

But those efforts have only inspired other security experts to take a crack at Cisco's software.

"It's really saddening and disheartening to see Cisco taking this approach, because it leaves their customers less secure," one of the hackers said.