CVE-2021-1441: cisco cisco ios xe software OS Command Injection

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2021-1441 is a high (CVSS 7.2) OS Command Injection vulnerability in cisco cisco ios xe software. EPSS estimates a 0.32% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 23.2% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 24-03-2021
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 08-11-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A vulnerability in the hardware initialization routines of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco 1100 Series Industrial Integrated Services Routers and Cisco ESR6300 Embedded Series Routers could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute unsigned code at system boot time. This vulnerability is due to incorrect validations of parameters passed to a diagnostic script that is executed when the device boots up. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by tampering with an executable file stored on a device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute unsigned code at boot time and bypass the software image verification check part of the secure boot process of an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need administrative level credentials (level 15) on the device.

• CWE-78Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component.