Discover the details of CVE-2021-1493, a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Firepower Threat Defense Software that allows a remote attacker to trigger a buffer overflow, potentially leading to data disclosure or denial of service.
A detailed overview of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance Software and Firepower Threat Defense Software vulnerability allowing buffer overflow.
Understanding CVE-2021-1493
This article provides insights into the nature, impact, and mitigation of the CVE-2021-1493 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-1493?
CVE-2021-1493 is a vulnerability in the web services interface of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software that enables a remote attacker to trigger a buffer overflow on the target system.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1493
The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows an authenticated attacker to cause a buffer overflow condition on the affected system, potentially leading to data disclosure or denial of service (DoS) by causing the device to reload.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1493
This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
Insufficient boundary checks for specific data provided to the web services interface can be exploited by an attacker through a malicious HTTP request, resulting in a buffer overflow condition on the target system.
Affected Systems and Versions
Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software versions are impacted by this vulnerability, allowing attackers to exploit the buffer overflow issue remotely.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a malicious HTTP request to the affected system, enabling the attacker to trigger a buffer overflow condition and potentially disrupt services.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we outline the steps to mitigate the CVE-2021-1493 vulnerability and enhance overall system security.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations should ensure they have the latest security updates from Cisco and apply patches promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regular security assessments, network monitoring, and user awareness training can enhance the overall security posture and reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Cisco provides security advisories and patches to address vulnerabilities promptly. Organizations should regularly check for updates and apply patches as soon as they are available.