CVE-2021-1443

What it is

A vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying operating system of an affected device. The vulnerability exists because the affected software improperly sanitizes values that are parsed from a specific configuration file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by tampering with a specific configuration file and then sending an API call. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to inject arbitrary code that would be executed on the underlying operating system of the affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have a privileged set of credentials to the device.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with an admin-level account. High risk of data tampering.

Exploit odds

2.3% 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: 2.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.5 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

2.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-77 · Command injection

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.1
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.1a
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.1b
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.1c
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.1d
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.1s
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.2
• Cisco iOS Xe 16.9.2a

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

High

Availability

None

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-2021-1443.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-1443. 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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