CVE-2021-1509 in SD-WAN vEdge
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2021
Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco SD-WAN vEdge Software could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code as the root user or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1509 affects Cisco SD-WAN vEdge software, which represents a critical component in enterprise network infrastructure management and cloud-based software-defined wide area networking solutions. This class of vulnerabilities demonstrates the inherent risks present in network device software where privileged access can be exploited to compromise entire network infrastructures. The affected vEdge software operates as the edge router component in Cisco's SD-WAN architecture, handling critical network traffic and configuration management functions that make it a prime target for sophisticated cyber attacks.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper privilege handling within the vEdge software implementation. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to gain root-level access to affected devices through specially crafted inputs or commands that bypass normal authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects the software's handling of user-supplied data during configuration processes and administrative operations. The flaw allows for arbitrary code execution with the highest possible privileges, effectively granting attackers complete control over the targeted network devices. The underlying issue manifests as a combination of buffer overflow conditions and privilege escalation mechanisms that were not properly secured during software development.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1509 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access points within enterprise networks and potentially disrupt critical business operations. A successful exploitation can result in complete network device compromise, allowing attackers to modify routing tables, intercept traffic, or create backdoor access for future exploitation. The denial of service component of this vulnerability means that attackers can also cause legitimate network services to become unavailable, potentially disrupting business operations and customer access. Organizations relying on Cisco SD-WAN solutions face significant risk of data breaches, service interruptions, and potential regulatory compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Cisco, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected devices, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments of their SD-WAN deployments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-269, which covers privilege escalation issues in software implementations. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and execution through command and scripting interpreter, making it a high-value target for both nation-state actors and organized cybercriminal groups. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing SD-WAN infrastructure compromises. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and conducting regular security assessments of critical network infrastructure components to prevent exploitation and maintain operational resilience.