CVE-2021-22147 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Elasticsearch before 7.14.0 did not apply document and field level security to searchable snapshots, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information by authenticated users.

Understanding CVE-2021-22147

This CVE affects Elasticsearch versions 7.11.0 to 7.13.4, with the security vulnerability not being addressed until version 7.14.0.

What is CVE-2021-22147?

The vulnerability in Elasticsearch allowed authenticated users to view unauthorized information by bypassing document and field level security on searchable snapshots.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22147

This security flaw could lead to a breach of sensitive data, exposing information to users who should not have access, compromising confidentiality and data integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22147

The following details provide insights into the vulnerability and its implications:

Vulnerability Description

Elasticsearch versions prior to 7.14.0 did not enforce document and field level security on searchable snapshots, enabling authenticated users to access unauthorized data.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Elasticsearch versions 7.11.0 to 7.13.4, with version 7.14.0 providing the necessary security updates to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of document and field level security on searchable snapshots, authenticated users could gain access to sensitive information beyond their authorization.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-22147 and enhance security measures, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Elasticsearch to version 7.14.0 or newer to ensure the vulnerability is patched.
Monitor user access and permissions within Elasticsearch to prevent unauthorized data viewing.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and maintain Elasticsearch to leverage the latest security features and patches.
Implement a least privilege access model to restrict user access based on their roles and responsibilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and advisories from Elasticsearch, applying patches promptly to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.