CVE-2021-1280 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability in the loading mechanism of specific DLLs of Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for Endpoints for Windows and Immunet for Windows allows an authenticated, local attacker to perform a DLL hijacking attack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Understanding CVE-2021-1280

This CVE involves a DLL hijacking vulnerability in Cisco AMP for Endpoints and Immunet for Windows, exposing affected systems to the risk of arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2021-1280?

The vulnerability in Cisco AMP for Endpoints and Immunet for Windows allows a local attacker to exploit incorrect handling of directory search paths, leading to DLL hijacking. An attacker can execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges upon successful exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1280

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH, with a CVSS base score of 7.8. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system with SYSTEM privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1280

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect handling of directory search paths during runtime, enabling an attacker to place a malicious DLL file on the system for execution upon launching the vulnerable application.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Cisco AMP for Endpoints, with the specific affected version identified as 'n/a'.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs valid credentials on the Windows system to place a malicious DLL file, triggering the execution of arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To prevent exploitation and safeguard affected systems, it is crucial to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices along with timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that systems are regularly monitored, restrict access to vulnerable systems, and apply security best practices to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust security policy, conduct regular security assessments, educate users on cybersecurity best practices, and maintain an incident response plan.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories, promptly apply patches provided by Cisco, and keep systems up to date to address known vulnerabilities.