For IP destinations not found in the IS-IS Level 1 database, the Level 1 router...

For IP destinations not found in the IS-IS Level 1 database, the Level 1 router must forward packets to the nearest Level 1-Level 2 router with the attach bit set. The attach bit is a flag in the IS-IS Level 1 LSP that indicates that the router is also a Level 2 router and can reach destinations outside the Level 1 area. The Level 1 router will install a default route pointing to the nearest Level 1-Level 2 router with the attach bit set. This way, the Level 1 router can forward packets to other areas without having to maintain a full Level 2 database. References: Ericsson IP Networking - Routing Protocols, Configure Attach Bit Set - Cisco