CVE-2021-1451

HIGH

Cisco IOS XE - Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution via Easy VSS Protocol Packet Buffer Overflow

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Description

A vulnerability in the Easy Virtual Switching System (VSS) feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switches and Cisco Catalyst 4500-X Series Switches could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the underlying Linux operating system of an affected device. The vulnerability is due to incorrect boundary checks of certain values in Easy VSS protocol packets that are destined for an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted Easy VSS protocol packets to UDP port 5500 while the affected device is in a specific state. When the crafted packet is processed, a buffer overflow condition may occur. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to trigger a denial of service (DoS) condition or execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying Linux operating system of the affected device.

References (1)

Core 1

Scores

CVSS v3 8.1
EPSS 0.0066
EPSS Percentile 71.3%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation none
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Details

CWE
CWE-119
Status published
Products (50)
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.0be
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.0e
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.1e
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.2e
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.3e
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.4e
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.5ae
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.5be
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.5e
cisco/ios_xe 3.6.6e
... and 40 more
Published Mar 24, 2021
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026