CVE-2021-21912 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the Windows version of installation for Advantech R-SeeNet Advantech R-SeeNet 2.4.15 (30.07.2021). An attacker can provide a specially-crafted file to escalate privileges to NT SYSTEM authority.

Understanding CVE-2021-20657

This CVE-2021-20657 is a privilege escalation vulnerability affecting the Advantech R-SeeNet software.

What is CVE-2021-20657?

The vulnerability allows an attacker to replace a system file with a malicious one to gain escalated privileges to NT SYSTEM authority.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20657

With a CVSS base score of 8.8, this high-severity vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, tampering with data integrity, and disrupting the availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20657

The technical details of CVE-2021-20657 are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2021-20657 is due to incorrect default permissions in the Advantech R-SeeNet software, allowing an unauthorized user to exploit a specially-crafted file for privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Advantech R-SeeNet version 2.4.15 (30.07.2021) running on Windows operating systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by providing a malicious file to the system, which, when processed, grants unauthorized privileges to the attacker.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-20657, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable unnecessary services and close unused ports to reduce the attack surface.
Monitor system file integrity and set proper access controls to prevent unauthorized changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Advantech R-SeeNet software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for users to raise awareness of potential threats and safe computing practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Advantech and apply patches promptly to fix software vulnerabilities.