CVE-2021-1578: cisco application_policy_infrastructure_controller Failing Open

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2021-1578 is a high (CVSS 9.0) Failing Open vulnerability in cisco application_policy_infrastructure_controller. EPSS estimates a 1.97% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 80.1% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 25-08-2021
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 07-11-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

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. This vulnerability is due to an improper policy default setting. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by using a non-privileged credential for Cisco ACI Multi-Site Orchestrator (MSO) to send a specific API request to a managed Cisco APIC or Cloud APIC device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to obtain Administrator credentials on the affected device.

• CWE-636Not Failing Securely ('Failing Open')When the product encounters an error condition or failure, its design requires it to fall back to a state that is less secure than other options that are available, such as selecting the weakest encryption algorithm or using the most permissive access control restrictions.
• CWE-755Improper Handling of Exceptional ConditionsThe product does not handle or incorrectly handles an exceptional condition.