MEDIUM · 6.8

CVE-2021-1453

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 un...

Vulnerability Description

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.

CVSS Score

6.8

MEDIUM

CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack Vector
PHYSICAL
Attack Complexity
LOW
Privileges Required
NONE
User Interaction
NONE
Scope
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality
HIGH
Integrity
HIGH
Availability
HIGH

Affected Products

VendorProductVersions
CiscoIos Xe3.15.1xbs

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

References

FAQ

What is CVE-2021-1453?

CVE-2021-1453 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.8 (MEDIUM). 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 un...

How severe is CVE-2021-1453?

CVE-2021-1453 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.8/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2021-1453?

Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Cisco Ios Xe.