CVE-2021-1385 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-1385, a vulnerability in Cisco IOx application hosting environment allowing remote attackers to conduct directory traversal attacks and read/write files on host systems.
A vulnerability in the Cisco IOx application hosting environment of multiple Cisco platforms could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct directory traversal attacks and read and write files on the underlying operating system or host system.
Understanding CVE-2021-1385
This CVE describes a security vulnerability in the Cisco IOx application hosting environment that could be exploited by an authenticated remote attacker.
What is CVE-2021-1385?
CVE-2021-1385 is a vulnerability in the Cisco IOx application hosting environment that enables an authenticated, remote attacker to perform directory traversal attacks, potentially compromising the underlying operating system by reading and writing files.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1385
The impact of this vulnerability is rated as Medium severity with a CVSS base score of 6.5. It allows attackers to conduct directory traversal attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access and modification of sensitive files on the host system.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1385
The vulnerability arises due to improper validation of URIs in IOx API requests on affected devices, allowing attackers to exploit this flaw by sending malicious API requests containing directory traversal sequences.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the Cisco IOx application hosting environment allows attackers to read or write arbitrary files on the underlying operating system through crafted API requests.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability impacts multiple Cisco platforms using the IOx application hosting environment, with the affected version details not available.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted API requests to the affected devices, triggering directory traversal attacks that compromise the host system.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-1385, immediate action and long-term security practices are recommended to safeguard Cisco platforms from potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations should apply the necessary security patches and updates provided by Cisco to mitigate the risk of exploitation through directory traversal attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, network segmentation, and access controls can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files on Cisco platforms.
Patching and Updates
Regularly monitoring Cisco advisories and applying security patches promptly is crucial to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-1385.