CVE-2021-21518 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the details of CVE-2021-21518 affecting Dell SupportAssist Client. Learn about the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps to secure your systems.
Dell SupportAssist Client for Consumer PCs and Business PCs, along with Dell SupportAssist Client ProManage, are affected by a DLL injection vulnerability. This CVE was published on March 10, 2021, with a CVSS base score of 7.8.
Understanding CVE-2021-21518
This section dives into the details of the CVE, including its impact and technical aspects.
What is CVE-2021-21518?
The vulnerability in Dell SupportAssist Client allows a local user with low privileges to execute arbitrary code on the operating system with SYSTEM privileges. The affected versions include 3.7.x, 3.6.x, 3.4.x, 3.3.x for Consumer PCs, and 2.0.x, 2.1.x, 2.2.x for Business PCs.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21518
With a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High severity), this vulnerability has a significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute malicious code on the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21518
Let's explore the technical specifics of this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The DLL injection vulnerability is present in the Costura Fody plugin used in Dell SupportAssist Client. It enables the execution of arbitrary executables by a local user with low privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
Dell SupportAssist Client versions 3.7.x, 3.6.x, 3.4.x, 3.3.x for Consumer PCs, 2.0.x, 2.1.x, 2.2.x for Business PCs, and Dell SupportAssist Client ProManage 1.x are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
A local user with low privileges can leverage the DLL injection vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the operating system with elevated privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn about the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21518.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to apply security updates and patches provided by Dell promptly. Restricting access to vulnerable systems can also help mitigate the risk.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing the principle of least privilege, regularly updating security software, and conducting security audits can enhance long-term security posture.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories from Dell and ensure that all systems are updated with the latest security patches.