CVE-2021-1519:Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Profile Modification Vulnerability (CVE-2021-1519) allows authenticated local attackers to overwrite VPN profiles due to insufficient input validation.

splash
Back

Description Preview

A vulnerability exists in the interprocess communication (IPC) channel of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software that could allow an authenticated local attacker with valid system credentials to overwrite VPN profiles on affected devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input in the IPC channel. By sending crafted IPC messages to the AnyConnect process, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to modify VPN profile files, potentially altering security configurations and connection parameters.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2021-1519) affects the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, which is widely used for secure VPN connections in enterprise environments. The vulnerability exists in the interprocess communication mechanism used by the client software. An authenticated local attacker with valid credentials on the affected system could craft and send malicious IPC messages that exploit the insufficient input validation in the AnyConnect process. If successful, the attacker could modify VPN profile files, which could lead to unauthorized changes to VPN configurations, potentially redirecting traffic to malicious endpoints or altering security parameters. This vulnerability requires local access and valid authentication credentials to exploit, which somewhat limits its impact.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, organizations should:

  1. Update Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client to the latest version as recommended by Cisco in their security advisory.
  2. Implement proper access controls to limit who can log into systems with AnyConnect installed.
  3. Follow the principle of least privilege for user accounts on systems with AnyConnect.
  4. Monitor for unexpected changes to VPN profiles.
  5. Consider implementing application control solutions to prevent unauthorized manipulation of the AnyConnect client.
  6. Review Cisco's security advisory for specific version information and additional mitigation strategies.
  7. Regularly audit VPN configurations for unauthorized changes.

References

  1. Cisco Security Advisory: https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-anyconnect-profile-AggMUCDg
  2. Title: "20210505 Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Profile Modification Vulnerability"
  3. MITRE CVE: CVE-2021-1519
  4. Cisco PSIRT Contact: psirt@cisco.com

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  5. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  6. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  7. Utilities
    Utilities
  8. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  9. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  10. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  11. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  12. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  13. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  14. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  15. Construction
    Construction
  16. Information
    Information
  17. Mining
    Mining
  18. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  19. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  20. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

Let's talk!

background