CVE-2021-1426 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Multiple vulnerabilities in the install, uninstall, and upgrade processes of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows allow an attacker to hijack DLL or executable files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. Here is what you need to know about CVE-2021-1426.

Understanding CVE-2021-1426

This section will detail what CVE-2021-1426 is and its impact, along with the technical aspects and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-1426?

CVE-2021-1426 involves multiple vulnerabilities in the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows that could enable a local, authenticated attacker to take control of DLL or executable files used by the application. Exploitation can result in the execution of arbitrary code on an affected device with SYSTEM privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1426

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH according to the CVSS v3.1 metrics. With a base score of 7.0, the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems are at risk. The attack complexity is rated as high, requiring low privileges but with significant consequences.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1426

This section will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to exploit the install, uninstall, and upgrade processes of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows, leading to DLL or executable hijacking.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows. The specific affected versions are not applicable.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must be authenticated and have valid credentials on the Windows system. The attacker can hijack DLL or executable files using the install, uninstall, or upgrade processes.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately review and patch the affected Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client installations. Ensure that only authorized users have access to critical systems to prevent unauthorized exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong access controls, regular security assessments, and user training to mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future. Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and apply patches promptly.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor security updates from Cisco and apply patches as soon as they are available to protect your systems from potential exploits.