Cisco RCE Flaws Let Attackers Let Attackers Escalate Privileges

Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco SD-WAN vManage Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain escalated privileges on an affected system.

Cisco has released software updates that address these vulnerabilities. There are no workarounds that address these vulnerabilities.

Cisco explains that these vulnerabilities are not dependent on one another. The exploitation of one of the vulnerabilities is not required to exploit another vulnerability.

As well, a software release that is affected by one of the vulnerabilities may not be affected by the other vulnerabilities.

These vulnerabilities affect Cisco devices if they are running a vulnerable release of Cisco SD-WAN vManage Software.

Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable

Cisco has confirmed that these vulnerabilities do not affect the following Cisco products:

• IOS XE SD-WAN Software
• SD-WAN cEdge Routers
• SD-WAN vBond Orchestrator Software
• SD-WAN vEdge Routers
• SD-WAN vSmart Controller Software

CVE-2021-1479: Cisco SD-WAN vManage Remote Management Buffer Overflow Vulnerability- CVSS Base Score: 9.8

A vulnerability in a remote management component of Cisco SD-WAN vManage Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a buffer overflow condition.

This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input to the vulnerable component. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted connection request to the vulnerable component that, when processed, could cause a buffer overflow condition.

 A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system with root privileges.

CVE-2021-1137: Cisco SD-WAN vManage Privilege Escalation Vulnerability – CVSS Base Score: 7.8

A vulnerability in the user management function of Cisco SD-WAN Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain escalated privileges on the underlying operating system.

The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation by the affected software. An authenticated attacker who has permissions to add new users or groups on the vManage system could exploit this vulnerability by modifying a user account.

A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain root privileges on the underlying operating system. 

CVE-2021-1480: Cisco SD-WAN vManage Privilege Escalation Vulnerability- CVSS Base Score: 7.8

A vulnerability in system file transfer functions of Cisco SD-WAN Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain escalated privileges on the underlying operating system.

The vulnerability is due to improper validation of input to the system file transfer functions. An authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to the vulnerable system.

A successful exploit could allow the attacker to overwrite arbitrary files and modify the system in such a way that could allow the attacker to gain root privileges on the underlying operating system.

Fixed Software

Cisco has released free software updates that address the above-mentioned vulnerabilities. Customers may only install and expect support for software versions and feature sets for which they have purchased a license.

Cisco advised its customers to regularly consult the advisories for Cisco products, which are available from the Cisco Security Advisories page, to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution.

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