CVE-2021-1578 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover CVE-2021-1578 impacting Cisco APIC. Learn how attackers could elevate privileges to Administrator on affected devices and find out how to mitigate this high-severity vulnerability.
A vulnerability in an API endpoint of Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Cisco Cloud Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (Cloud APIC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to elevate privileges to Administrator on an affected device.
Understanding CVE-2021-1578
This section provides insights into the vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-1578?
CVE-2021-1578 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Cisco's APIC and Cloud APIC due to an improper policy default setting. An attacker can exploit this by sending a specific API request to a managed device, gaining Administrator privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1578
With a CVSS base score of 8.8 (High severity), this vulnerability could result in unauthorized users obtaining full control over affected devices.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1578
Detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows attackers to elevate privileges to Administrator on affected Cisco APIC and Cloud APIC devices.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Cloud APIC with a specific configuration.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by using a non-privileged credential for Cisco ACI Multi-Site Orchestrator (MSO) to send a specific API request.
Mitigation and Prevention
Preventive measures to secure your systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should apply patches provided by Cisco immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor and update system configurations to prevent similar privilege escalation attacks.
Patching and Updates
Keep systems up to date with the latest security patches released by Cisco.