External risk intelligence

Cisco HyperFlex HX: Command Injection via Web Interface

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-1498

Cisco HyperFlex HX management interfaces are affected by vulnerabilities that allow unauthenticated remote attackers to inject commands. This poses a business risk by enabling unauthorized system control, potentially leading to data compromise or operational disruption. Affected organizations should prioritize applying

3Halo Surface Signal

OS Command Injection

Cisco Hyperflex Hx Data Platform

before 4.0\(2e\)4.5 to before 4.5\(2a\)

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-1498

The vulnerability affects the web-based management interface of a hyperconverged infrastructure platform. While typically restricted to internal administrative networks, such interfaces are occasionally exposed to the internet in specific deployments, making them plausibly reachable, even though such exposure is not the standard or intended configuration for this product.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The web-based management interface of Cisco HyperFlex HX is vulnerable to flaws that could permit an unauthenticated, remote attacker to inject commands into an affected device. This could lead to unauthorized execution of commands on the affected system. The business risk stems from the potential for attackers to compromise system integrity and potentially gain control of critical infrastructure.

  • Vulnerable component: Cisco HyperFlex HX management interface
  • Core weakness: Improper handling of user input
  • Main business impact: Unauthorized command execution, system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform contains multiple vulnerabilities in its web-based management interface. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities to perform command injection attacks. This could lead to unauthorized execution of commands on an affected device.

  • The interface is exposed externally.
  • An attacker gains unauthorized access.
  • The attacker triggers command injection.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

Multiple vulnerabilities within Cisco HyperFlex HX could permit an unauthenticated attacker to inject commands remotely into an affected device. These command injection attacks carry a high potential for business disruption due to the critical nature of the affected systems and the ease with which they can be exploited. The direct impact on affected systems could include unauthorized access, data modification, or complete system compromise, presenting a significant business risk.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Network access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco HyperFlex HX could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to perform command injection attacks against an affected device. These vulnerabilities present a significant risk to the integrity and availability of affected systems. Organizations should prioritize addressing these issues to mitigate potential business impact.

  • Identify affected Cisco HyperFlex HX assets.
  • Restrict network access to management interfaces.
  • Apply vendor updates and validate remediation.
  • Monitor for related security events.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform and its vulnerability?

Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform is a hyperconverged infrastructure solution combining compute, storage, and networking. It suffers from multiple vulnerabilities in its web-based management interface that allow unauthenticated, remote attackers to perform command injection attacks.

What weakness classes are associated with CVE-2021-1498?

CVE-2021-1498 is associated with command injection weaknesses, specifically CWE-78 and CWE-77. These indicate that the software improperly handles user input, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected device.

What are the conditions for exploiting CVE-2021-1498?

An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities by accessing the web-based management interface. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no specific privileges or user interaction for exploitation, making it a critical threat.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-1498 to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo classifies CVE-2021-1498 as 'Possible' due to the vulnerability affecting a hyperconverged infrastructure platform's management interface. While typically internal, such interfaces can be exposed externally, making them a potential target.

What are the practical steps to address CVE-2021-1498?

Organizations should identify affected Cisco HyperFlex HX assets, restrict network access to management interfaces, and apply vendor-provided updates. Monitoring for related security events is also crucial to validate remediation and detect potential compromises.

References