CVE-2021-1145 : What You Need to Know
Discover the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1145, a vulnerability in Cisco StarOS allowing unauthorized file access. Learn how to secure your Cisco ASR 5000 Series Routers.
A vulnerability in the Secure FTP (SFTP) of Cisco StarOS for Cisco ASR 5000 Series Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to read arbitrary files on an affected device. This article delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-1145.
Understanding CVE-2021-1145
CVE-2021-1145 refers to the Cisco StarOS for Cisco ASR 5000 Series Routers Arbitrary File Read Vulnerability identified on January 13, 2021.
What is CVE-2021-1145?
The vulnerability exposes Cisco ASR 5000 Series Routers to unauthorized file access via a crafted SFTP command, potentially compromising confidentiality.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1145
With a CVSS base score of 6.5, this vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk by allowing remote attackers to read sensitive files on affected devices without proper authorization.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1145
The vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of symbolic links in the SFTP service of Cisco StarOS for ASR 5000 Series Routers.
Vulnerability Description
Attackers with valid credentials can exploit the flaw by sending specially crafted SFTP commands, leading to unauthorized data access.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects the Cisco ASR 5000 Series Software.
Exploitation Mechanism
By leveraging the insecure symbolic link handling, attackers can execute crafted SFTP commands to access arbitrary files on the target device.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-1145, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.
Immediate Steps to Take
Ensure strict access controls, monitor file access logs, and restrict SFTP usage to trusted entities with valid credentials.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly update Cisco StarOS software, implement secure coding practices, and conduct security audits to detect and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Refer to the Cisco Security Advisory for detailed guidance on applying patches and updates to remediate the vulnerability.