CVE-2021-21531 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Dell Unisphere for PowerMax versions prior to 9.2.1.6 contain an Authorization Bypass Vulnerability that can be exploited by a local authenticated malicious user. This vulnerability poses a high risk with a CVSS base score of 8.1.

Understanding CVE-2021-21531

This section details the impact and technical aspects of CVE-2021-21531.

What is CVE-2021-21531?

CVE-2021-21531 is an Authorization Bypass Vulnerability found in Dell Unisphere for PowerMax versions below 9.2.1.6. It allows a local authenticated malicious user with a monitor role to carry out unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21531

The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS base score of 8.1. It can lead to unauthorized access and potentially compromise the integrity of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21531

In this section, we delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Dell Unisphere for PowerMax versions prior to 9.2.1.6 enables a local authenticated malicious user with monitor role to bypass authorization and execute unauthorized actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is 'Unisphere for PowerMax' by Dell, with versions less than 9.2.1.6 being vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging a local authenticated account with monitor role to bypass authorization controls and perform malicious actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-21531 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should update Dell Unisphere for PowerMax to version 9.2.1.6 or higher to address this vulnerability. Additionally, limiting user privileges and monitoring system activity can help prevent unauthorized actions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employing the principle of least privilege, conducting regular security assessments, and educating users on secure practices are essential for long-term security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates for Dell products, especially Unisphere for PowerMax, is crucial to staying protected against known vulnerabilities.