CVE-2021-20490 : What You Need to Know

IBM Spectrum Protect Plus versions 10.1.0 through 10.1.8 are vulnerable to a denial of service attack due to insecure file permission settings. This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-20490, its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-20490

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-20490 vulnerability affecting IBM Spectrum Protect Plus.

What is CVE-2021-20490?

CVE-2021-20490 is a vulnerability in IBM Spectrum Protect Plus versions 10.1.0 through 10.1.8 that could enable a local user to trigger a denial of service attack by exploiting insecure file permission settings.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20490

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 4.0. Although the attack complexity is low and requires no user interaction, it can lead to service unavailability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20490

This section outlines specific technical details of the CVE-2021-20490 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insecure file permission settings in IBM Spectrum Protect Plus versions 10.1.0 through 10.1.8, allowing a local user to exploit this weakness.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Spectrum Protect Plus versions 10.1.0 through 10.1.8 are affected by this vulnerability, potentially impacting systems running these specific versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with local access can exploit the insecure file permission settings to cause a denial of service and disrupt service availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides guidance on mitigating the CVE-2021-20490 vulnerability and preventing potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

IBM recommends applying the official fix provided by the vendor to address the insecure file permission settings and prevent potential denial of service attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure file permission configurations and regular security updates can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

IBM may release patches or updates to address the CVE-2021-20490 vulnerability. It is essential to stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to safeguard the system.