CVE-2021-1250 : What You Need to Know

Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) has been identified with multiple vulnerabilities in its web-based management interface that could potentially allow a remote attacker to execute cross-site scripting (XSS) or a reflected file download (RFD) attack. These vulnerabilities were made public on January 20, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2021-1250

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2021-1250 vulnerability for Cisco Data Center Network Manager.

What is CVE-2021-1250?

CVE-2021-1250 involves multiple vulnerabilities within the web-based management interface of Cisco Data Center Network Manager, enabling a remote attacker with network-operator privileges to perform XSS or RFD attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1250

The impact of CVE-2021-1250 is rated as medium severity with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by an attacker with low privileges, requiring user interaction, and could potentially lead to unauthorized access or data manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1250

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-1250 to better understand its implications and potential risks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the web-based management interface of Cisco DCNM, allowing for XSS or RFD attacks upon users of the platform, if exploited by a remote attacker.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Cisco Data Center Network Manager with no specific version mentioned, indicating a broad impact across different versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerabilities can be exploited remotely by an attacker with network-operator privileges to launch XSS or RFD attacks, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate measures to secure your system is crucial considering the risks associated with CVE-2021-1250. Here are some steps to mitigate the vulnerabilities and protect your network.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of Cisco DCNM to patch the identified vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the management interface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update security configurations of Cisco DCNM.
Educate users on identifying and avoiding suspicious links or attachments to prevent potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Cisco to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities effectively.