CVE-2021-1579

What it is

A vulnerability in an API endpoint of Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Cisco Cloud Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (Cloud APIC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with Administrator read-only credentials to elevate privileges on an affected system. This vulnerability is due to an insufficient role-based access control (RBAC). An attacker with Administrator read-only credentials could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specific API request using an app with admin write credentials. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to Administrator with write privileges on the affected device.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

2.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-08-25 20:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:32 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.1 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-08-25 20:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:32 UTC

Exploit probability

2.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-250 · Unnecessary privileges

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller < 3.2\(10f\)
• Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller < 4.2\(7l\)
• Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller < 5.2\(2f\)
• Cisco Cloud Application Policy Infrastructure Controller < 3.2\(10f\)
• Cisco Cloud Application Policy Infrastructure Controller < 4.2\(7l\)
• Cisco Cloud Application Policy Infrastructure Controller < 5.2\(2f\)

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

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-2021-1579.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-1579. 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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