CVE-2021-1449: A vulnerability in the boot logic of Cisco Access Points Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute unsigned code at boot time. ...

Description

A vulnerability in the boot logic of Cisco Access Points Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute unsigned code at boot time. The vulnerability is due to an improper check that is performed by the area of code that manages system startup processes. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by modifying a specific file that is stored on the system, which would allow the attacker to bypass existing protections. 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. Note: To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have access to the development shell (devshell) on the device.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.7/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.27%

17.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-284

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Aironet Access Point Software	All versions
Cisco	Catalyst 9800 Firmware	< 16.12.5
Cisco	Catalyst 9800 Firmware	>= 17.1, < 17.3.3
Cisco	Catalyst 9800 Firmware	>= 17.4, < 17.5.1
Cisco	Wireless Lan Controller Software	< 8.5.171.0
Cisco	Wireless Lan Controller Software	>= 8.6, < 8.10.150.0

References

Timeline

Published: Mar 24, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-1449?

A vulnerability in the boot logic of Cisco Access Points Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute unsigned code at boot time. The vulnerability is due to an improper check that is performed by the area of code that manages system startup processes. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by modifying a specific file that is stored on the system, which would allow the attacker to bypass existing protections. 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. Note: To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have access to the development shell (devshell) on the device.

How severe is CVE-2021-1449?

CVE-2021-1449 has a CVSS score of 6.7/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.27% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-1449?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.