CVE-2021-21311 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adminer is an open-source database management tool in a single PHP file. An SSRF vulnerability exists in Adminer versions from 4.0.0 to 4.7.9, allowing malicious actors to make server-side requests. Users of Adminer versions bundling all drivers are affected.

Understanding CVE-2021-21311

This CVE discloses a server-side request forgery vulnerability present in Adminer, impacting versions between 4.0.0 and 4.7.9.

What is CVE-2021-21311?

CVE-2021-21311 highlights a security flaw in Adminer that enables attackers to initiate unauthorized server-side requests.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21311

The vulnerability poses a high severity risk, with a CVSS base score of 7.2. It affects the integrity and confidentiality of data, although it requires no privileged access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21311

The vulnerability allows network-based exploitation with low complexity. It necessitates no user interaction and does not impact system availability.

Vulnerability Description

Adminer versions including all drivers are vulnerable to SSRF attacks, which can lead to unauthorized server requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adminer versions from 4.0.0 to 4.7.9 are susceptible to this SSRF vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests through the affected Adminer versions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure your systems from CVE-2021-21311:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adminer to version 4.7.9 or newer to patch the SSRF vulnerability.
Review and restrict network access to Adminer to trusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates from Adminer.
Implement strict input validation and access controls to prevent SSRF attacks.

Patching and Updates

Follow the provided reference links for more details on the security update and patch for Adminer.