CVE-2019-1614: Cisco NX-OS Software NX-API Command Injection Vulnerability

Severity: high (CVSS 8.8 v3.1)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 4.1% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2019-03-11 · updated 2026-06-17
Weakness: CWE-77

Description

A vulnerability in the NX-API feature of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The vulnerability is due to incorrect input validation of user-supplied data by the NX-API subsystem. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious HTTP or HTTPS packets to the management interface of an affected system that has the NX-API feature enabled. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to perform a command-injection attack and execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. Note: NX-API is disabled by default. MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Switches are affected running software versions prior to 8.1(1b) and 8.2(3). Nexus 3000 Series Switches are affected running software versions prior to 7.0(3)I4(9) and 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 3500 Platform Switches are affected running software versions prior to 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 2000, 5500, 5600, and 6000 Series Switches are affected running software versions prior to 7.3(4)N1(1). Nexus 9000 Series Switches in Standalone NX-OS Mode are affected running software versions prior to 7.0(3)I4(9) and 7.0(3)I7(4). Nexus 7000 and 7700 Series Switches are affected running software versions prior to 7.3(3)D1(1) and 8.2(3).

Affected products

Cisco NX-OS: from 8.2 before 8.3\(2\); from 7.3 before 8.1\(1b\); from 7.0\(3\)i5 before 7.0\(3\)i7\(4\); before 7.0\(3\)i4\(9\); from 7.0\(3\) before 7.0\(3\)i7\(4\); from 7.3 before 7.3\(4\)n1\(1\) — fixed in 7.0\(3\)i4\(9\), 7.0\(3\)i7\(4\), 7.3\(3\)d1\(1\), 7.3\(3\)i4\(9\), 7.3\(4\)n1\(1\), 8.1\(1b\)

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: Cisco NX-OS 7.0\(3\)i4\(9\), 7.0\(3\)i7\(4\), 7.3\(3\)d1\(1\), 7.3\(3\)i4\(9\). Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

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