CVE-2021-20464 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.1.7, 11.2.0, and 11.1.7 are vulnerable to an XML Bomb attack, potentially exploited by authenticated users. The impact includes a denial of service threat with a CVSS base score of 6.5.

Understanding CVE-2021-20464

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics that could lead to a denial of service scenario under specific conditions.

What is CVE-2021-20464?

CVE-2021-20464 pertains to IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.1.7, 11.2.0, and 11.1.7 being susceptible to an XML Bomb attack initiated by a malicious authenticated user.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20464

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.5, highlighting the potential for a denial of service attack when exploited.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20464

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

IBM Cognos Analytics is vulnerable to an XML Bomb attack, which, if exploited, can lead to a denial of service incident.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted systems include IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.1.7, 11.2.0, and 11.1.7.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a malicious authenticated user to trigger an XML Bomb attack, potentially disrupting system availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the immediate steps to take and long-term security practices to safeguard against CVE-2021-20464.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should apply official fixes provided by IBM to mitigate the vulnerability's impact and reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust access controls, monitor system activity, and stay updated on security advisories to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates released by IBM to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.