CVE-2021-1453: Cisco IOS XE Software for the Catalyst 9000 Family Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability
First published: Wed Mar 24 2021(Updated: )
A vulnerability in the software image verification functionality of Cisco IOS XE Software for the Cisco Catalyst 9000 Family of switches could allow an unauthenticated, physical attacker to execute unsigned code at system boot time. The vulnerability is due to an improper check in the code function that manages the verification of the digital signatures of system image files during the initial boot process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by loading unsigned software on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to boot a malicious software image or execute unsigned code and bypass the image verification check part of the secure boot process of an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have unauthenticated physical access to the device or obtain privileged access to the root shell on the device.
Credit: ykramarz@cisco.com
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =3.15.1xbs | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =3.15.2xbs | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.2 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.3 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.4 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.4a | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.4s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.5 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.6 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.7 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.6.8 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.7.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.8.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.8.1a | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.8.1s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.1s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.2 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.2s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.3 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.3s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.4 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.5 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.9.6 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.10.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.10.1e | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.10.1s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.11.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.11.1b | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.11.1c | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.11.1s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.11.2 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.1c | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.1s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.2 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.2s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.2t | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.3 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.3a | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.3s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.4 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =16.12.4a | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.1.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.1.1s | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.1.1t | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.1.2 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.2.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.2.1a | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.2.3 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.3.1 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.3.2 | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.3.2a | |
| Cisco IOS XE Software | =17.4.1 |
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Reference Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2021-1453?
The severity of CVE-2021-1453 is classified as high due to its potential for unauthorized code execution.
How do I fix CVE-2021-1453?
To fix CVE-2021-1453, you should upgrade to a patched version of Cisco IOS XE Software as recommended by Cisco.
Who is affected by CVE-2021-1453?
CVE-2021-1453 affects the Cisco Catalyst 9000 Family of switches running specific versions of Cisco IOS XE.
What type of attack does CVE-2021-1453 enable?
CVE-2021-1453 allows an unauthenticated, physical attacker to execute unsigned code at system boot time.
When was CVE-2021-1453 disclosed?
CVE-2021-1453 was disclosed as a vulnerability in early 2021, prompting Cisco to issue security advisories.
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