CVE-2021-20991 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In Fibaro Home Center 2 and Lite devices with firmware version 4.540 and older, an authenticated user can run commands as root user using a command injection vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-20991

This CVE impacts Fibaro Home Center 2 and Lite devices with a specific firmware version, allowing authenticated users to execute commands as the root user remotely.

What is CVE-2021-20991?

The CVE-2021-20991 vulnerability exists in Fibaro Home Center 2 and Lite devices with firmware version 4.540 and older, enabling authenticated users to execute commands as the root user, potentially leading to a complete system compromise.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20991

The impact of this vulnerability is deemed critical with a CVSS base score of 9.8, allowing attackers to execute unauthorized commands with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20991

The technical details of CVE-2021-20991 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows authenticated users to run commands as the root user due to a command injection flaw.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems are Fibaro Home Center 2 and Home Center Lite with firmware version 4.540 and older.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely over a network with low attack complexity.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-20991, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the firmware to a patched version.
Restrict network access to vulnerable devices.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on the network.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all devices and software in your network.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments.

Patching and Updates

Ensure you apply patches and updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of your devices.