CVE-2021-22118 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2021-22118 article provides detailed information about a vulnerability in the Spring Framework versions 5.2.x and 5.3.x that allows a locally authenticated malicious user to perform privilege escalation by manipulating the temporary storage directory.

Understanding CVE-2021-22118

This section explains the impact and technical details of the CVE-2021-22118 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-22118?

In Spring Framework versions 5.2.x prior to 5.2.15 and versions 5.3.x prior to 5.3.7, a WebFlux application vulnerability allows a malicious user to read, modify, or overwrite files in the application.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22118

The vulnerability allows a locally authenticated user to escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files and data within the WebFlux application.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22118

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the Spring Framework versions 5.2.x and 5.3.x enables a malicious user to manipulate the temporary storage directory and gain unauthorized access to files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Spring Framework versions 5.2.x before 5.2.15 and versions 5.3.x before 5.3.7 are affected by this privilege escalation vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

A locally authenticated malicious user can exploit this vulnerability by (re)creating the temporary storage directory and accessing or modifying uploaded files.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2021-22118 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions include monitoring file access, restricting file permissions, and applying security patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing access controls, conducting regular security audits, and providing security awareness training helps in preventing similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users should update to Spring Framework versions 5.2.15 or 5.3.7 to mitigate the privilege escalation vulnerability.