CVE-2021-1444: Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software XSS Vulnerability

A vulnerability (CVE-2021-1444) has been discovered in the web services interface of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software that could potentially allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks against a user of the interface. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web services interface of an affected device.

Exploit Details

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the interface or allow the attacker to access sensitive, browser-based information.

Code Snippet

The following sample code snippet demonstrates the kind of malicious link an attacker could potentially create to exploit this vulnerability:

http://<affected-device-IP>/path/?parameter=<script>alert("XSS!");</script>;

Replace <affected-device-IP> with the IP address of the Cisco ASA or FTD device and path with the appropriate parameter or location within the web services interface.

Cisco has released a Security Advisory providing details about this vulnerability

- Cisco Security Advisory: CVE-2021-1444

Additionally, this vulnerability is part of the October 2021 release of the Cisco ASA, FTD, and FMC Security Advisory Bundled publication. For a complete list of the advisories and links to them, see:

- Cisco ASA, FTD, and FMC Security Advisory Bundled Publication

Mitigation

Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability. Administrators should apply the necessary software updates to protect their devices from this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The CVE-2021-1444 vulnerability is a notable security issue that could potentially enable an attacker to perform XSS attacks against users of Cisco ASA and FTD devices. As a result, administrators need to be proactive in applying the recommended software updates and staying informed about the latest security advisories affecting their systems.

Timeline

Published on: 11/18/2024 15:31:08 UTC