CVE-2021-1422 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability in the software cryptography module of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software could lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for CVE-2021-1422.

Understanding CVE-2021-1422

This section will cover the key aspects of the CVE-2021-1422 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-1422?

The vulnerability in Cisco ASA Software and FTD Software could allow an attacker to cause an unexpected reload of the device, resulting in a DoS condition. The issue stems from a logic error in the software cryptography module.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1422

The vulnerability could be exploited by authenticated remote attackers or unauthenticated attackers in a man-in-the-middle position. This exploitation could lead to a device crash and subsequent reload, causing a DoS condition. It is crucial to note that the exploitation of this vulnerability does not compromise any encrypted data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1422

In this section, we will delve into the technical specifics of CVE-2021-1422.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a logic error in how the software cryptography module handles specific decryption errors. Attackers can trigger the vulnerability by sending malicious packets over an established IPsec connection.

Affected Systems and Versions

This vulnerability affects Cisco ASA Software Release 9.16.1 and Cisco FTD Software Release 7.0.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers, whether authenticated or not, can exploit the vulnerability by leveraging the logic error in the software cryptography module. This can be achieved by sending crafted packets over an IPsec connection, leading to a device crash and subsequent reload.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover how to address and prevent the CVE-2021-1422 vulnerability in the following section.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco advises users to monitor for any exploitation of the vulnerability and apply the necessary security updates to mitigate the risk of a DoS attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, organizations should regularly update their systems, implement network segmentation, and employ encryption best practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that affected systems are updated with the latest software versions provided by Cisco to address the identified vulnerability.