CVE-2021-1371 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-1371, a privilege escalation vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software that allows attackers to gain administrative access via the console port.
A vulnerability in the role-based access control of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with read-only privileges to obtain administrative privileges by using the console port when the device is in the default SD-WAN configuration.
Understanding CVE-2021-1371
This CVE identifies a privilege escalation vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software that could lead to unauthorized access to administrative privileges.
What is CVE-2021-1371?
The vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software allows a local, authenticated attacker with read-only privileges to gain administrative access via the console port in the default SD-WAN configuration.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1371
The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could allow an attacker to escalate their privileges and potentially access sensitive administrative functions on the affected device.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1371
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from the default configuration applied for console authentication and authorization, enabling a read-only user to exploit the console port and gain administrative privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected product is Cisco IOS XE Software, with all versions being susceptible to this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability involves an attacker connecting to the console port and authenticating as a read-only user to elevate their privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-1371 is crucial for ensuring the security of the affected systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is recommended to review and update the console authentication and authorization settings to prevent unauthorized access to administrative privileges.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing proper role-based access controls, regular security audits, and employee training on secure practices can help prevent similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Applying security patches provided by Cisco to address this specific vulnerability is essential in securing the affected systems.