CVE-2021-1577 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability in an API endpoint of Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Cisco Cloud Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (Cloud APIC) allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to read or write arbitrary files on an affected system. The CVSS base score for this critical vulnerability is 9.1.

Understanding CVE-2021-1577

This CVE identifies a security flaw in Cisco's APIC and Cloud APIC, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive files.

What is CVE-2021-1577?

The vulnerability in Cisco's APIC and Cloud APIC allows a remote attacker to manipulate files on a targeted system due to improper access controls.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1577

If exploited successfully, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to critical data stored on the affected system, posing a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of the information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1577

The vulnerability is characterized by the ability of an attacker to read or manipulate files on the affected device through a specific API endpoint. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises due to improper access controls on the API endpoint, allowing an attacker to upload files to the device, leading to unauthorized access to critical system files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Cloud APIC are affected by this vulnerability, with the base score indicating a critical severity level.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specific request to the affected device's API endpoint, enabling them to upload arbitrary files and potentially execute malicious activities.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure your systems and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-1577, follow these best practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability immediately.
Implement strict access controls and network segmentation to limit exposure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate an ongoing attack.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that your Cisco APIC and Cloud APIC systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches from the vendor.