CVE-2021-1604 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Software has been identified with multiple vulnerabilities in its web-based management interface, allowing an authenticated, remote attacker to perform a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack. This could lead to the execution of arbitrary script code in the affected interface or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2021-1604

These vulnerabilities impact the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Software, potentially enabling a malicious actor to manipulate user activities through malicious script injections.

What is CVE-2021-1604?

The CVE-2021-1604 vulnerability refers to multiple security issues in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Software. These vulnerabilities stem from insufficient validation of user-supplied input, allowing attackers to inject harmful code into specific pages of the interface.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1604

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could permit an attacker to execute arbitrary script code within the affected interface context or gain unauthorized access to sensitive browser-based information. The attacker must possess valid administrative credentials to leverage these vulnerabilities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1604

The following are the technical aspects associated with CVE-2021-1604:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of user-supplied data in the web-based management interface, leading to the execution of malicious scripts by authenticated remote attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Software with multiple versions, exposing them to the risk of stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By injecting malicious code into specific pages of the web-based management interface, attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to execute unauthorized script code or access sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems against the CVE-2021-1604 vulnerability, consider the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Employ web application firewalls to filter and monitor incoming traffic for potential XSS attacks.
Regularly review and update security configurations related to the Cisco Identity Services Engine Software.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized script injections.
Educate users and administrators on safe browsing practices to reduce the risk of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates provided by Cisco to address vulnerabilities in the Identity Services Engine Software.