Buffer overflow in Cisco iOS Xe Software

CVE-2021-1451

A vulnerability in the Easy Virtual Switching System (VSS) feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switches and Cisco Catalyst 4500-X Series Switches could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying Linux operating system of an affected device. The vulnerability is due to incorrect boundary checks of certain values in Easy VSS protocol packets that are destined for an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted Easy VSS protocol packets to UDP port 5500 while the affected device is in a specific state. When the crafted packet is processed, a buffer overflow condition may occur. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to trigger a denial of service (DoS) condition or execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying Linux operating system of the affected device.

Vulnerability class: Buffer Overflow

EPSS: 0.032 (86.9th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 8.1 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Weakness classification (CWE)

References

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-1451?
CVE-2021-1451 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco iOS Xe Software, classified under Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer. CVSS score: 8.1/10. Published 2021-03-24.
How severe is CVE-2021-1451?
High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 8.1 out of 10.