CVE-2021-21874 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A critical vulnerability, CVE-2021-21874, has been identified in Lantronix PremierWave 2050 8.9.0.0R4 (in QEMU) that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands through a specially-crafted HTTP request. This article provides insights into the nature of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2021-21874

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2021-21874, shedding light on its implications and severity.

What is CVE-2021-21874?

CVE-2021-21874 pertains to a vulnerability in the DSA keypasswd parameter that allows threat actors to trigger arbitrary command execution by sending a crafted HTTP request,even when authenticated.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21874

With a base score of 9.1 and a critical severity level, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Attackers exploiting this flaw can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21874

This section penetrates deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-21874, such as the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw involves improper neutralization of special elements in the OS command (OS Command Injection), enabling malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands within the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Lantronix PremierWave 2050 8.9.0.0R4 (in QEMU) is confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, raising concerns for users of this product.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the DSA keypasswd parameter in an HTTP request, attackers can abuse this weakness to perform unauthorized command executions with elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines essential measures to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-21874 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations are advised to apply security patches promptly, restrict access to vulnerable systems, and monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing network segmentation, conducting regular security audits, and providing security awareness training to employees can enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Lantronix users should regularly check for updates and patches released by the vendor to address this critical vulnerability and ensure system security.