CVE-2021-1384 in IOS XE
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2021
A vulnerability in Cisco IOx application hosting environment of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to inject commands into the underlying operating system as the root user. This vulnerability is due to incomplete validation of fields in the application packages loaded onto IOx. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a crafted application .tar file and loading it onto the device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to perform command injection into the underlying operating system as the root user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1384 resides within the Cisco IOx application hosting environment of Cisco IOS XE Software, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of network device operations. This vulnerability specifically targets the validation mechanisms implemented during the loading of application packages onto IOx-enabled devices, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the underlying operating system. The IOx environment serves as a containerized application hosting platform that enables third-party applications to run on Cisco network devices, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise network infrastructure. The flaw manifests in the incomplete validation of fields within application packages, which creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the package structure and execute unauthorized commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker with access to the device's management interface, as the vulnerability does not permit unauthenticated remote code execution. Attackers can craft malicious .tar application files that contain specially constructed package metadata fields designed to bypass the validation checks. When the malicious application package is loaded onto the IOx-enabled device, the incomplete validation allows these crafted fields to be interpreted by the underlying operating system, enabling command injection attacks. The vulnerability specifically permits attackers to execute commands with root privileges, providing complete control over the device's operating system and potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure that relies on the device for operations. This command injection capability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and represents a classic path to privilege escalation within operating systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1384 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access for attackers. Network administrators face the risk of unauthorized data exfiltration, network disruption, and potential use as a stepping stone for lateral movement within the enterprise network. The vulnerability affects Cisco IOS XE Software versions that support IOx applications, including various models of Cisco Catalyst switches and routers that have implemented this hosting environment. The attack vector through crafted .tar files makes this vulnerability particularly insidious as it can be delivered through legitimate application loading processes, making detection more difficult. Organizations utilizing IOx-enabled devices face a significant risk of unauthorized system manipulation, as the root privilege escalation allows attackers to modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from network security teams, with the primary recommendation being to apply the latest security patches provided by Cisco. The vulnerability's impact necessitates proactive remediation measures including device firmware updates, network segmentation to limit access to IOx-enabled devices, and implementation of strict access controls for device management interfaces. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all devices running affected IOS XE software versions that support IOx applications. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in application loading activities and command execution attempts. Security controls should include implementing multi-factor authentication for device management access, regular security audits of loaded applications, and maintaining detailed logs of all application deployment activities. The vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter demonstrates the importance of implementing proper input validation and access controls to prevent unauthorized command execution within network infrastructure environments.