CVE-2021-1421 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software (NFVIS) allows an authenticated, local attacker to perform a command injection attack with high severity. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user input to a configuration command.

Understanding CVE-2021-1421

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-1421 vulnerability affecting Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software.

What is CVE-2021-1421?

The vulnerability in Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software (NFVIS) enables a local attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges by injecting malicious input during the execution of a configuration command.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1421

With a CVSS base score of 7.8, this high-severity vulnerability poses a significant risk. An attacker, authenticated in the restricted CLI, can exploit the vulnerability to gain a foothold on the underlying operating system (OS) and execute commands at a root level.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1421

This section provides technical insights into the CVE-2021-1421 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the lack of proper validation of user-supplied input, which allows an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software version n/a is affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated, local attacker can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious input while executing a configuration command, leading to unauthorized command execution with root privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2021-1421 vulnerability is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco recommends updating the software to a fixed version as soon as possible. Implement proper input validation practices and restrict access to the CLI to authorized personnel.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and apply security updates for the affected software. Educate users on safe practices to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability in Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software.