CVE-2021-21591 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-21591 affecting Dell EMC Unity, Unity XT, and UnityVSA versions prior to 5.1.0.0.5.394. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps to secure your systems.
Dell EMC Unity, Unity XT, and UnityVSA versions prior to 5.1.0.0.5.394 have a plain-text password storage vulnerability, allowing local malicious users to gain unauthorized access.
Understanding CVE-2021-21591
This vulnerability affects Dell's Unity series, putting systems at risk of unauthorized access due to plaintext password storage.
What is CVE-2021-21591?
Dell EMC Unity, Unity XT, and UnityVSA versions before 5.1.0.0.5.394 have a security flaw that exposes stored passwords, enabling high-privileged local users to exploit compromised accounts.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21591
With a CVSS base score of 6.4 (Medium severity), this vulnerability poses a serious risk of confidential data exposure, integrity compromise, and high availability impact.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21591
This section provides a more in-depth look into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the plain-text storage of passwords in affected versions of Dell EMC Unity products, allowing local malicious users to leverage these passwords for unauthorized access.
Affected Systems and Versions
Dell Unity, Unity XT, and UnityVSA versions before 5.1.0.0.5.394 are susceptible to this security issue.
Exploitation Mechanism
A local malicious user with elevated privileges can exploit the exposed passwords to gain access with the compromised user's permissions.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-21591, immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their Dell Unity products to versions 5.1.0.0.5.394 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Regularly monitor for any suspicious activities.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strong password policies, user access controls, and regular security audits to enhance overall system security.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches and updates provided by Dell to safeguard systems against potential security threats.