CVE-2021-22138 : Security Advisory and Response

A TLS certificate validation flaw was discovered in Logstash versions after 6.4.0 and before 6.8.15 and 7.12.0. This vulnerability allowed for potential man-in-the-middle attacks on Logstash monitoring data.

Understanding CVE-2021-22138

Logstash versions after 6.4.0 and before 6.8.15 and 7.12.0 are affected by a TLS certificate validation flaw in the monitoring feature. The flaw could be exploited by an attacker to carry out man-in-the-middle attacks.

What is CVE-2021-22138?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in Logstash versions in the TLS certificate validation process for monitoring. Attackers could exploit this flaw to intercept Logstash monitoring data.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22138

The vulnerability can lead to man-in-the-middle attacks, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of Logstash monitoring data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22138

The technical details of CVE-2021-22138 include:

Vulnerability Description

In Logstash versions after 6.4.0 and before 6.8.15 and 7.12.0, a TLS certificate validation flaw in the monitoring feature was identified. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to launch man-in-the-middle attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected systems include Logstash versions after 6.4.0 and before 6.8.15 and 7.12.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the TLS certificate validation flaw, attackers could carry out man-in-the-middle attacks, intercepting Logstash monitoring data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-22138, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Logstash to version 6.8.15 or 7.12.0 to address the TLS certificate validation flaw.
Implement network controls to detect and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Logstash to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that may indicate unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to ensure that Logstash is protected from potential exploits.