CVE-2021-1497
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on Cisco HyperFlex HX systems via the web-based management interface. Attackers can gain full control of affected devices without any credentials. Organizations running vulnerable HyperFlex HX systems are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, pivot to internal networks, and disrupt operations.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or use as a foothold for lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are isolated, patched, or have network controls preventing external access to management interfaces.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code exists and CISA lists this as known exploited. Attack requires no authentication.
🛠️ 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-hyperflex-rce-TjjNrkpR
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for affected versions. 2. Download and apply appropriate firmware update from Cisco. 3. Restart affected HyperFlex HX systems. 4. Verify update applied successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict access to HyperFlex management interface to trusted IPs only
# Configure firewall rules to restrict access to HyperFlex management IP/ports
# Example: iptables -A INPUT -s trusted_network -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
# iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disable Management Interface
linuxTemporarily disable web management interface if not required
# Consult HyperFlex documentation for disabling web interface
# Typically via CLI: hyperflex disable-web-interface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from internet and untrusted networks
- Implement strict network access controls allowing only necessary traffic
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HyperFlex HX firmware version against Cisco advisory. If web interface accessible without authentication and version is pre-fix, assume vulnerable.Check Version:
# SSH to HyperFlex system and run: hyperflex versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version matches or exceeds fixed version listed in Cisco advisory. Test that command injection attempts no longer succeed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful access
- Suspicious processes spawned from web service
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from HyperFlex systems
- Traffic to management interface from unexpected sources
- Command injection patterns in HTTP requests
SIEM Query:
source="hyperflex_logs" AND ("command injection" OR "os.system" OR "exec(" OR suspicious_process="*sh" OR "cmd.exe")🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162976/Cisco-HyperFlex-HX-Data-Platform-Command-Execution.html
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-hyperflex-rce-TjjNrkpR
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162976/Cisco-HyperFlex-HX-Data-Platform-Command-Execution.html
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-hyperflex-rce-TjjNrkpR
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-1497
