CVE-2021-1433 : Security Advisory and Response

A buffer overflow vulnerability in the vDaemon process of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software has been identified, potentially enabling a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands or trigger a denial of service (DoS) condition. The attacker must have a man-in-the-middle position between Cisco vManage and the affected device running this software.

Understanding CVE-2021-1433

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-1433 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-1433?

The vulnerability in the vDaemon process in Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to carry out a buffer overflow attack due to insufficient bounds checking during traffic processing.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1433

Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to a controllable buffer overflow attack, potentially permitting the execution of arbitrary commands as the root user or causing a device reload, resulting in a DoS condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1433

This section highlights the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-1433 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking, leading to a buffer overflow in the vDaemon process.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Cisco IOS XE Software with the specific version being vulnerable to the exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted traffic between Cisco vManage and the affected device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Below are the recommended steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-1433.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches provided by Cisco and closely monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation, access controls, and regular security audits to enhance overall network security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and promptly apply relevant patches to mitigate vulnerabilities.