CVE-2021-1266 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-1266, a vulnerability in the REST API of Cisco Managed Services Accelerator that could allow an attacker to cause a denial of service condition. Find out about its impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A detailed description of the CVE-2021-1266 focusing on the vulnerability found in the REST API of Cisco Managed Services Accelerator (MSX) and its impact.
Understanding CVE-2021-1266
This section delves into what CVE-2021-1266 is and the potential risks associated with this vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-1266?
CVE-2021-1266 is a vulnerability in the REST API of Cisco Managed Services Accelerator (MSX) that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device. The vulnerability arises from the way the affected software logs certain API requests. By sending a flood of specially crafted API requests, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to trigger a DoS condition on the affected device.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1266
The impact of CVE-2021-1266 is rated as a medium severity with a CVSS base score of 4.3. While the confidentiality and integrity impacts are none, the availability impact is considered low. Attackers with low privileges required can exploit this vulnerability remotely over a network without any user interaction.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1266
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2021-1266 vulnerability, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the REST API of Cisco Managed Services Accelerator (MSX) results from how the software logs specific API requests. This flaw allows an attacker to overwhelm an affected device with malicious API requests, leading to a denial of service.
Affected Systems and Versions
The Cisco Managed Services Accelerator version is affected by this vulnerability. More specifically, an authenticated, remote attacker can exploit the flaw in the software to cause a denial of service condition.
Exploitation Mechanism
By sending a large number of crafted API requests to an affected device, an attacker can exploit the vulnerability in the REST API of Cisco Managed Services Accelerator to initiate a denial of service attack.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we discuss the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-1266 and prevent potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediate actions involve applying vendor-supplied patches and workarounds to address the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for signs of malicious activity can help detect and prevent attacks exploiting this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
To enhance long-term security, keep systems up to date with the latest security patches and versions. Regular security assessments and audits can help identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security advisories from Cisco and apply patches promptly to safeguard against potential threats exploiting this vulnerability.