CVE-2021-20533 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Security Verify Access Docker 10.0.0 by IBM is vulnerable to a flaw that could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system. The vulnerability was published on July 13, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2021-20533

This section will cover what CVE-2021-20533 is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-20533?

CVE-2021-20533 is a security vulnerability found in IBM Security Verify Access Docker version 10.0.0. It enables a remote authenticated attacker to run arbitrary commands on the system by sending a specially crafted request.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20533

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a base severity score of 8.4 in the CVSS v3.0 metrics. An attacker can exploit this flaw to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20533

Let's delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-20533.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system by sending a specifically crafted request to the IBM Security Verify Access Docker 10.0.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Security Verify Access Docker version 10.0.0 is affected by this vulnerability. Other versions may not be impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

The attack complexity is rated as LOW and the attack vector is ADJACENT_NETWORK. The vulnerability requires high privileges to exploit and does not involve user interaction. An exploit code may not be readily available or proven.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure your systems from CVE-2021-20533, follow these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the official fix provided by IBM for Security Verify Access Docker version 10.0.0.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems to mitigate future vulnerabilities.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access rights for users and applications.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by IBM for Security Verify Access Docker to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.