CVE-2021-1435

7.2 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands as root on Cisco IOS XE devices via the web UI. Attackers can inject malicious commands into web requests due to insufficient input validation. Organizations using affected Cisco IOS XE software versions are at risk.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Cisco IOS XE Software
Versions: Specific versions listed in Cisco advisory; generally multiple releases before fixes
Operating Systems: Cisco IOS XE
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Requires web UI to be enabled and attacker to have valid credentials

📦 What is this software?

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

Ios Xe by Cisco

Cisco IOS XE is Cisco's modern network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, and wireless controllers deployed across corporate networks, data centers, branch offices, and service provider infrastructure worldwide. As the evolution of Cisco IOS, IOS XE provides a Linux-based modu...

Learn more about Ios Xe →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete compromise of affected network devices leading to network disruption, data theft, or lateral movement to other systems.

🟠

Likely Case

Unauthorized configuration changes, credential harvesting, or installation of persistent backdoors on network infrastructure.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if web UI is disabled or access is restricted to trusted networks only.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Web UI exposed to internet allows authenticated attackers to gain root access.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal attackers with valid credentials can still exploit, but requires network access.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: LOW

Requires authenticated access but command injection is straightforward once authenticated

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Refer to Cisco advisory for specific fixed versions

Vendor Advisory: https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-iosxe-webcmdinjsh-UFJxTgZD

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check current IOS XE version. 2. Download appropriate fixed version from Cisco. 3. Backup configuration. 4. Install update following Cisco IOS upgrade procedures. 5. Verify update and restore configuration if needed.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Web UI

all

Disable the vulnerable web interface entirely

no ip http server
no ip http secure-server

Restrict Web UI Access

all

Limit web UI access to trusted management networks only

ip http access-class <ACL-NUMBER>
ip http secure-server access-class <ACL-NUMBER>

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Disable web UI completely using 'no ip http server' and 'no ip http secure-server' commands
  • Implement strict network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from untrusted networks

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check IOS XE version against affected versions in Cisco advisory

Check Version:

show version | include IOS XE

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify running version matches or exceeds fixed versions listed in advisory

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual web UI activity
  • Unexpected configuration changes
  • Suspicious command execution in logs

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual HTTP/HTTPS traffic to device management interfaces
  • Anomalous command patterns in web requests

SIEM Query:

Search for web UI access logs with command injection patterns or unusual parameter values

🔗 References

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