CVE-2021-1382 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to inject arbitrary commands to be executed with root privileges. This CVE was published on March 24, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2021-1382

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability, its impact, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-1382?

The vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges due to insufficient input validation on certain CLI commands.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1382

A successful exploit could enable an attacker to run commands with root privileges, posing a significant risk to the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1382

Here we explore the specifics of the vulnerability in terms of its description, affected systems, and the mechanism of exploitation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation on specific CLI commands, enabling an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary commands as a privileged user.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Cisco IOS XE Software is affected by this vulnerability, making it crucial for users to implement proper security measures to prevent exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated, local attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input and submitting it through the CLI, necessitating administrative user privileges for successful execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we outline the steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-1382 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply the latest security patches provided by Cisco to address this vulnerability promptly. Additionally, enforcing strong access controls and monitoring CLI commands can help mitigate the risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices, such as regular security assessments, network segmentation, and user training, can enhance overall system security and resilience against similar threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and advisories from Cisco to ensure the timely application of patches and fixes that address known vulnerabilities.