CVE-2021-1276 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) is impacted by multiple vulnerabilities that could potentially enable an attacker to spoof a trusted host or carry out a man-in-the-middle attack. These vulnerabilities stem from inadequate certificate validation during HTTPS requests. Here's everything you need to know about CVE-2021-1276.

Understanding CVE-2021-1276

Cisco Data Center Network Manager Certificate Validation Vulnerabilities

What is CVE-2021-1276?

CVE-2021-1276 is a security vulnerability in Cisco Data Center Network Manager that allows attackers to execute man-in-the-middle attacks or spoof trusted hosts, potentially leading to information extraction or alteration of API requests.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1276

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level. It could result in sensitive information exposure or unauthorized modification of data through insufficient certificate validation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1276

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities in Cisco DCNM stem from insecure certificate validation during HTTPS connections, opening the door for attackers to intercept communications and manipulate data.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Cisco Data Center Network Manager, and all versions of the software are affected by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by spoofing trusted hosts or orchestrating man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept and modify sensitive information exchanged via DCNM.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-1276, users are advised to apply security patches released by Cisco as soon as possible. It is crucial to ensure that HTTPS requests are validated correctly to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should implement robust security practices, including regular security audits, network segmentation, and employee training on recognizing and responding to potential security threats.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has provided patches to address the vulnerabilities in Data Center Network Manager. Users should promptly install these updates to protect their systems from potential exploitation.