CVE-2021-1497 is a critical vulnerability that affects the web-based management interface of Cisco HyperFlex HX. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to perform command injection attacks against an affected device. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations, enabling potential unauthorized access and control over system components.
The urgency for defenders is high as this vulnerability can be exploited across a network with low complexity. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. The exploitation status indicates that there are known exploits available, making the need for immediate remediation even more pressing.
The command injection vulnerability is classified under CWE-78, which highlights the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. As this vulnerability is in the web management interface, it is particularly concerning due to the accessibility it affords to potential attackers.
Given its critical nature and the possibility of exploitation, organizations utilizing Cisco HyperFlex HX should take immediate action to assess their systems and implement necessary updates as per the vendor's guidance.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability arises from multiple flaws in the web-based management interface of Cisco HyperFlex HX, which allows for command injection. The CVSS score is assessed at 9.8, indicating a critical severity level due to high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The vulnerability was published on May 6, 2021, and is cataloged under CWE-78.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-1497 lies in insufficient input validation within the web management interface. The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability remotely with no privileges required and without user interaction. The attack complexity is low, which means that even less sophisticated attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability.
The vulnerability is critical as it impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all at a high level. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access, execute arbitrary commands, and potentially control the affected device.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is substantial. Organizations utilizing Cisco HyperFlex HX need to understand the potential for widespread exploitation across their networks. The blast radius is extensive, as attackers could use this vulnerability to gain control over critical systems, leading to data breaches or service disruptions.
Given the high CVSS score and the fact that this vulnerability is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations are urged to take immediate action to patch their systems. The urgency is underscored by the risk of exploitation if left unaddressed.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform include all versions prior to the vendor patch, specifically those before version 4.0(2e) and those between versions 4.5 and 4.5(2a). Organizations should verify their current versions against these criteria to assess their exposure.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate this vulnerability. This includes upgrading to the latest version of Cisco HyperFlex HX to ensure all known vulnerabilities are patched. If an immediate patch is not available, organizations should implement network controls to restrict access to the management interface.
Configuration hardening is also recommended to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should regularly review their settings and apply security best practices to minimize exposure to potential attacks.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for unusual log indicators and behavioral anomalies is crucial. Organizations should also establish network signatures to detect potential exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.
System changes should be closely monitored, especially in relation to the management interface, to identify any unauthorized access or command execution attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-1497 is underscored by its inclusion in the KEV catalog, indicating a recognized risk by authorities. This vulnerability represents a pattern of command injection vulnerabilities that can be exploited in various contexts, highlighting the need for robust input validation in web applications.
Security teams should learn from this incident to strengthen their defenses against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify weaknesses before they are exploited. Organizations are encouraged to enhance their vulnerability management programs to prioritize the remediation of critical vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-1497.
Continuous penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of security measures is also recommended to ensure resilience against evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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