CVE-2021-1248
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) through multiple REST API endpoints. Attackers could potentially read, modify, or delete database information, and in some cases achieve remote code execution. Organizations running affected DCNM versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the DCNM system leading to data exfiltration, system takeover, and lateral movement to connected network infrastructure.
Likely Case
Unauthorized database access allowing extraction of sensitive network configuration data, credentials, and potentially gaining administrative privileges.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper network segmentation, strong authentication controls, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection vulnerabilities are commonly exploited. Requires authenticated access but exploitation is straightforward once credentials are obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 11.5(1) and later
Vendor Advisory: https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-dcnm-sql-inj-OAQOObP
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download DCNM version 11.5(1) or later from Cisco Software Center. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install the update following Cisco's upgrade guide. 4. Restart the DCNM services or appliance.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Control
allRestrict access to DCNM REST API endpoints to only trusted management networks.
Authentication Hardening
allImplement strong authentication policies including multi-factor authentication and account lockouts.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate DCNM management interface to dedicated VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) with SQL injection protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check DCNM version via web interface (Admin > About) or CLI command 'show version'Check Version:
show versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 11.5(1) or later and test REST API endpoints for SQL injection vulnerabilities📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Unusual REST API requests with SQL-like patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from DCNM appliance
- SQL error messages in HTTP responses
- High volume of requests to REST API endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="dcnm" AND (http_uri="*rest*" AND (message="*sql*" OR message="*select*" OR message="*union*"))