CVE-2021-20695 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-20695, a vulnerability in the D-Link Japan K.K. DAP-1880AC firmware version 1.21 and earlier that allows a remote attacker to gain root privileges.

Understanding CVE-2021-20695

CVE-2021-20695 is a vulnerability in the DAP-1880AC firmware version 1.21 and earlier that stems from improper following of a certificate's chain of trust. This vulnerability enables a remote authenticated attacker to escalate privileges.

What is CVE-2021-20695?

The CVE-2021-20695 vulnerability arises from a flaw in the D-Link Japan K.K. DAP-1880AC firmware version 1.21 and earlier. It allows a remote attacker to gain root privileges through unspecified vectors by exploiting the improper handling of certificate chain trust.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20695

The impact of CVE-2021-20695 is significant as it grants a remote authenticated attacker the ability to gain root privileges on affected systems. This could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potentially further exploitation of the compromised device.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20695

The technical details of CVE-2021-20695 include a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the D-Link Japan K.K. DAP-1880AC firmware version 1.21 and earlier arises from the improper following of a certificate's chain of trust. This flaw allows a remote authenticated attacker to escalate privileges to gain root access.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the D-Link Japan K.K. DAP-1880AC with firmware version 1.21 and earlier. Systems running these versions are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2021-20695 involves a remote authenticated attacker leveraging unspecified vectors to gain root privileges on the affected DAP-1880AC devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-20695, immediate steps should be taken along with long-term security practices and patching procedures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update the D-Link Japan K.K. DAP-1880AC firmware to a patched version to eliminate the vulnerability. Ensure that access to potentially vulnerable devices is restricted and closely monitored.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement security best practices such as regular firmware updates, network segmentation, strong password policies, and access controls to enhance the overall security posture of the environment.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates from the vendor and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and improve the security of the DAP-1880AC devices.