CVE-2021-1401 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-1401, a vulnerability found in the Cisco Small Business 100, 300, and 500 Series Wireless Access Points. It includes details on the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2021-1401

CVE-2021-1401 refers to multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of specific Cisco Wireless Access Points that could be exploited by authenticated remote attackers.

What is CVE-2021-1401?

The vulnerability allows attackers to retrieve sensitive information from the affected device or inject arbitrary commands into it, potentially leading to unauthorized access or control.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1401

With a CVSS base score of 8.8, the vulnerability poses a high risk, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities remotely, without requiring high privileges or user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1401

The vulnerability affects specific versions of the Cisco Business Wireless Access Point Software.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the web interface exposes the system to information leakage and command injection, enabling attackers to compromise the device remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Small Business 100, 300, and 500 Series Wireless Access Points are affected by this vulnerability, with certain versions being vulnerable.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated remote attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or execute arbitrary commands on the target device.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to secure the affected systems and implement long-term security measures to prevent such vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply patches released by Cisco to address the vulnerabilities. Additionally, it is recommended to restrict access to the management interface and monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating software, implementing network segmentation, and conducting security assessments can help enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has provided patches to mitigate the vulnerabilities in the affected Wireless Access Points. Users are advised to apply these patches promptly to safeguard their systems.