CVE-2021-1507 in SD-WAN vManage Software
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2021
A vulnerability in an API of Cisco SD-WAN vManage Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against users of the application web-based interface. This vulnerability exists because the API does not properly validate user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious input to the API. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the web-based interface or access sensitive, browser-based information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1507 affects Cisco SD-WAN vManage Software, a critical component in enterprise network management systems that provides centralized control and monitoring of software-defined wide area networks. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in the platform's web-based administrative interface, which is commonly accessed by network administrators and security personnel. The vulnerability specifically targets the application programming interface that handles user input processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the system's integrity and confidentiality. Organizations relying on Cisco SD-WAN solutions for their network infrastructure face potential exposure to sophisticated attacks that could undermine their entire network security posture.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the API layer of the vManage software implementation. This deficiency allows malicious input to be stored and subsequently executed without proper sanitization or verification processes. The vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting attack vector where an authenticated attacker can inject malicious scripts into the application's data storage mechanisms. When other users access the affected web interface, their browsers execute the malicious code within the context of their authenticated sessions, potentially enabling the attacker to perform unauthorized actions or extract sensitive information. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored XSS variant that persists in the application's database or storage systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1507 extends beyond simple script execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive information within the network management environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access administrative credentials, network configuration details, device management information, and other confidential data that would normally be restricted to authorized personnel only. The attack requires authentication, which means that adversaries must first compromise valid user credentials or exploit additional vulnerabilities to gain initial access. However, once authenticated, the stored XSS vulnerability allows for persistent malicious activity that could remain undetected for extended periods. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through information disclosure and integrity through unauthorized code execution, while also potentially affecting availability through session hijacking or denial-of-service conditions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches released by Cisco, which address the input validation deficiencies in the affected API components. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual API activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for network administrators should emphasize the importance of credential protection and monitoring for suspicious activities within the vManage interface. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive input validation practices throughout the application development lifecycle, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and execution through web-based interfaces. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of network management systems should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the SD-WAN infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive protection against evolving threat landscapes.