CVE-2021-34698 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in the proxy service of Cisco AsyncOS for Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to exhaust system memory and cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device.

Understanding CVE-2021-34698

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the proxy service of Cisco Web Security Appliance that could be exploited by an attacker to conduct a DoS attack.

What is CVE-2021-34698?

CVE-2021-34698 highlights an issue in the memory management of the proxy service of Cisco Web Security Appliance, allowing attackers to overwhelm the system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34698

The vulnerability poses a high risk as attackers can disrupt device operations by causing a DoS condition through memory exhaustion.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34698

This section outlines the specific technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Improper memory management in the proxy service of Cisco Web Security Appliance allows attackers to initiate a DoS attack by establishing numerous HTTPS connections.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) and the specific version details are not applicable (n/a).

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by flooding the affected device with a large number of HTTPS connections, leading to a system overload.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-34698, follow these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Take immediate action by applying vendor-recommended patches or workarounds to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures such as network segmentation, access controls, and regular security assessments to enhance overall resilience.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor vendor advisories and apply security patches promptly to protect systems from potential threats.