CVE-2021-20118 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover how CVE-2021-20118 impacts Nessus Agent 8.3.0 and earlier versions, allowing local administrators to execute commands. Learn mitigation steps and best security practices.
Nessus Agent 8.3.0 and earlier versions have been identified with a local privilege escalation vulnerability. This flaw could empower an authenticated local administrator to execute specific commands on the host system.
Understanding CVE-2021-20118
This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-20118 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-20118?
The CVE-2021-20118 vulnerability affects Nessus Agent 8.3.0 and earlier versions, enabling a local administrator to escalate privileges and execute commands on the system.
The Impact of CVE-2021-20118
The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows authenticated local users to perform unauthorized actions on the host system, potentially leading to further exploitation.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-20118
Explore the technical aspects and specifics of CVE-2021-20118 below.
Vulnerability Description
CVE-2021-20118 involves a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Nessus Agent 8.3.0 and earlier versions, posing a security risk for systems with authenticated local administrators.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Nessus Agent versions 8.3.0 and earlier, potentially exposing systems where these versions are installed to unauthorized administrative actions.
Exploitation Mechanism
An authenticated local administrator can exploit CVE-2021-20118 to run specific executables on the host system beyond their permitted privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn how to address and prevent the CVE-2021-20118 vulnerability with effective security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediately update Nessus Agent to a secure version beyond 8.3.0, and evaluate system logs for any signs of unauthorized activity.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strict access controls, regularly monitor for suspicious activities, and educate users on safe computing practices to enhance overall system security.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches and updates for Nessus Agent to mitigate potential vulnerabilities effectively.