CVE-2021-21550 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2021-21550 article provides detailed information about a vulnerability found in Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS versions 8.1.0 to 9.1.0, which could allow authenticated users to escalate privileges.

Understanding CVE-2021-21550

This section will cover the essential aspects of CVE-2021-21550, including its description, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-21550?

CVE-2021-21550 is a vulnerability identified in Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS versions 8.1.0 to 9.1.0 that involves improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command. This flaw allows authenticated users with specific privileges to escalate their permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21550

The vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk with a base score of 6 (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H). Attackers with authenticated access and specific privileges can elevate their permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21550

This section elaborates on the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS versions 8.1.0 to 9.1.0 involves improper handling of OS commands, enabling privilege escalation for authenticated users with specific privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS versions 8.1.0 to 9.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability, particularly for users with ISI_PRIV_LOGIN_SSH or ISI_PRIV_LOGIN_CONSOLE privileges.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access and the aforementioned privileges can exploit this vulnerability to escalate their permissions, potentially compromising system integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21550 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to restrict access to privileged accounts, monitor system activities closely, and apply vendor-supplied patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust user access controls, conduct regular security audits, and provide comprehensive security training to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

It is essential to apply security patches provided by Dell promptly to address the vulnerability in Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS versions 8.1.0 to 9.1.0.