CVE-2021-1624

What it is

A vulnerability in the Rate Limiting Network Address Translation (NAT) feature of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause high CPU utilization in the Cisco QuantumFlow Processor of an affected device, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. This vulnerability is due to mishandling of the rate limiting feature within the QuantumFlow Processor. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending large amounts of traffic that would be subject to NAT and rate limiting through an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause the QuantumFlow Processor utilization to reach 100 percent on the affected device, resulting in a DoS condition.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-09-23 03:15 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: 1.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.6 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-09-23 03:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:32 UTC

Exploit probability

1.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-399

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Cisco iOS Xe ≤ 17.3.3

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.6

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

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-2021-1624.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-1624. 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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