CVE-2021-1441

What it is

A vulnerability in the hardware initialization routines of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco 1100 Series Industrial Integrated Services Routers and Cisco ESR6300 Embedded Series Routers could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute unsigned code at system boot time. This vulnerability is due to incorrect validations of parameters passed to a diagnostic script that is executed when the device boots up. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by tampering with an executable file stored on a device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute unsigned code at boot time and bypass the software image verification check part of the secure boot process of an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need administrative level credentials (level 15) on the device.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2021-03-24 20:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:31 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.7 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-03-24 20:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:31 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco iOS Xe 3.15.1xbs
• Cisco iOS Xe 3.15.2xbs
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.1
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.1c
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.10.1
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.10.1e
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.11.1
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.11.1c

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.7

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2021-1441.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-1441. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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