CVE-2021-21888 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides details about CVE-2021-21888, an OS command injection vulnerability in Lantronix PremierWave 2050 8.9.0.0R4 (in QEMU) that can lead to arbitrary command execution through a specially crafted HTTP request.

Understanding CVE-2021-21888

CVE-2021-21888 is a critical vulnerability with a base score of 9.1, affecting Lantronix PremierWave 2050 8.9.0.0R4 (in QEMU). It allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands via a manipulated HTTP request.

What is CVE-2021-21888?

CVE-2021-21888 involves an OS command injection flaw in the Web Manager SslGenerateCertificate feature of Lantronix PremierWave 2050 8.9.0.0R4 (in QEMU). Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to achieve unauthorized command execution.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21888

The vulnerability has a critical severity level with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. An attacker can exploit this flaw to perform unauthorized operations, compromising the system's security.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21888

CVE-2021-21888 is categorized under CWE-78, representing the improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command (OS command injection). The attack complexity is low, but the privileges required are high, making it a critical security concern.

Vulnerability Description

The OS command injection vulnerability in Lantronix PremierWave 2050 8.9.0.0R4 (in QEMU) allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands by crafting malicious HTTP requests, potentially leading to unauthorized system access.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted product is Lantronix PremierWave 2050 8.9.0.0R4 when used in QEMU, exposing systems to the risk of command injection attacks through the Web Manager SslGenerateCertificate function.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the flaw in Lantronix, an attacker can send specifically designed HTTP requests to trigger the vulnerability, gaining unauthorized access to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2021-21888, immediate actions and long-term security measures are crucial for preventing unauthorized command execution.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Lantronix PremierWave 2050 devices to a patched version, if available, and implement network security measures to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict input validation, security patches, and network segmentation can enhance the overall security posture and reduce the risk of OS command injection vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates and security advisories from Lantronix to ensure the latest patches are applied to mitigate the risk of OS command injection exploits.