CVE-2021-1264 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in the Command Runner tool of Cisco DNA Center could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to perform a command injection attack. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation by the Command Runner tool, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary CLI commands on devices managed by Cisco DNA Center.

Understanding CVE-2021-1264

This section provides insight into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1264.

What is CVE-2021-1264?

CVE-2021-1264 is a critical vulnerability in the Command Runner tool of Cisco DNA Center that allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary CLI commands on managed devices, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1264

The vulnerability has a base score of 9.6, indicating a critical severity level. An attacker with low privileges can exploit the flaw, leading to high integrity and availability impacts without requiring user interaction. Confidentiality remains unaffected.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1264

This section delves deeper into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the Command Runner tool, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands during execution or via a crafted command runner API call.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (DNA Center) is affected by this vulnerability across all versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated, remote attacker can exploit the vulnerability by providing crafted input during command execution or through a specially designed command runner API call.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2021-1264.

Immediate Steps to Take

Cisco recommends applying the latest security updates to Cisco DNA Center to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, restrict network access to trusted entities and monitor command executions closely.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong network segmentation, enforcing the principle of least privilege, and conducting regular security audits can enhance the overall security posture of the network.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security advisories from Cisco and promptly applying patches and updates is essential to protect the infrastructure from known vulnerabilities.