CVE-2021-1436 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to conduct path traversal attacks and obtain read access to sensitive files on an affected system.

Understanding CVE-2021-1436

This CVE represents a security vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software that could potentially lead to data exposure.

What is CVE-2021-1436?

CVE-2021-1436 is a path traversal vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software, enabling a local attacker to access sensitive files on a system through insufficient input validation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1436

The vulnerability allows attackers to perform path traversal attacks, leading to unauthorized access to critical files, jeopardizing the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1436

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Insufficient validation of user-supplied input in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software enables authenticated local attackers to view arbitrary files by exploiting crafted requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Cisco IOS XE Software with unmentioned versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges can leverage the vulnerability to traverse paths, gaining access to sensitive system files.

Mitigation and Prevention

Implementing security measures is crucial to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco recommends monitoring and applying security advisories promptly to protect systems from potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforcing the principle of least privilege and conducting regular security audits can enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Cisco IOS XE Software to the latest version and implementing patches from the vendor is essential for mitigating CVE-2021-1436.