CVE-2021-34770 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-34770, a critical vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software for Catalyst 9000 Family Wireless Controllers allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service.
A critical vulnerability in the Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) protocol processing of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 9000 Family Wireless Controllers could lead to remote code execution or denial of service attacks.
Understanding CVE-2021-34770
This CVE involves a logic error during the validation of CAPWAP packets, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to exploit the vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-34770?
The vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE Software for Catalyst 9000 Family Wireless Controllers enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges or cause a DoS condition.
The Impact of CVE-2021-34770
With a CVSS base score of 10 (Critical), the severity of this vulnerability lies in its potential to allow attackers to gain control of affected devices and disrupt services.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-34770
This section outlines the specifics of the vulnerability in terms of description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
A logic error in the validation of CAPWAP packets in Cisco IOS XE Software permits attackers to send crafted packets, leading to code execution or device crashes.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of Cisco IOS XE Software for Catalyst 9000 Family Wireless Controllers.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability involves sending malicious CAPWAP packets to the target device to trigger code execution or induce a DoS condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2021-34770 involves taking immediate action and implementing long-term security measures as described below.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations should apply patches provided by Cisco to remediate the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Ensuring network segmentation, access controls, and regular security updates can help mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security advisories from Cisco and apply patches promptly to maintain the security of wireless access points.