Headline
CVE-2021-1419: Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco Access Points SSH Management Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A vulnerability in the SSH management feature of multiple Cisco Access Points (APs) platforms could allow a local, authenticated user to modify files on the affected device and possibly gain escalated privileges. The vulnerability is due to improper checking on file operations within the SSH management interface. A network administrator user could exploit this vulnerability by accessing an affected device through SSH management to make a configuration change. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain privileges equivalent to the root user.
Cisco has released free software updates that address the vulnerability described in this advisory. Customers may only install and expect support for software versions and feature sets for which they have purchased a license. By installing, downloading, accessing, or otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to follow the terms of the Cisco software license:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/end-user-license-agreement.htmlAdditionally, customers may only download software for which they have a valid license, procured from Cisco directly, or through a Cisco authorized reseller or partner. In most cases this will be a maintenance upgrade to software that was previously purchased. Free security software updates do not entitle customers to a new software license, additional software feature sets, or major revision upgrades.
When considering software upgrades, customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for Cisco products, which are available from the Cisco Security Advisories page, to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution.
In all cases, customers should ensure that the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and confirm that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, customers are advised to contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or their contracted maintenance providers.
Customers Without Service Contracts
Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco TAC: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.html
Customers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.
Fixed Releases
The process to upgrade the APs requires administrators to upgrade the wireless controller to which the APs are registered.
Customers are advised to upgrade to an appropriate fixed software release as indicated in the following table(s):
Access Points Managed by Wireless LAN Controller
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Software Release
First Fixed Release for This Vulnerability
8.5 and earlier
Not affected.
8.10
8.10.151.0
Access Points Managed by Catalyst 9800 Wireless Controller
Cisco Catalyst 9800 Wireless Controller Software Release
First Fixed Release for This Vulnerability
16.12
16.12.6
17.2 and earlier
Migrate to a fixed release.
17.3
17.3.3
17.4
Migrate to a fixed release.
17.5
Not affected.
17.6
Not affected.