CVE-2021-40130 : What You Need to Know

This article provides insights into the Cisco Common Services Platform Collector Improper Logging Restriction Vulnerability (CVE-2021-40130), including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2021-40130

CVE-2021-40130 is a vulnerability in the web application of Cisco Common Services Platform Collector (CSPC) that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to specify non-log files as sources for syslog reporting.

What is CVE-2021-40130?

The vulnerability results from improper restriction of the syslog configuration, enabling an attacker to read non-log files on the CSPC by configuring them as sources for syslog reporting through the web application.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40130

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 4.9, indicating a medium severity level. It poses a high risk to confidentiality as an attacker with high privileges could potentially access non-log files on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40130

The following technical details shed light on the nature of the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows the attacker to specify non-log files as syslog reporting sources due to improper syslog configuration restrictions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco Common Services Platform Collector Software
Vendor: Cisco
Version: n/a

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: High
User Interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: None
Availability Impact: None

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are some steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-40130:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities related to syslog reporting.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Enhance employee training on cybersecurity best practices to mitigate social engineering attacks.
Keep systems and software up to date with the latest security patches.
Employ network segmentation to isolate critical services from potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and promptly apply recommended patches to mitigate vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-40130.