CVE-2021-22149 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article delves into the details of CVE-2021-22149, highlighting the vulnerability in Elastic Enterprise Search App Search versions before 7.14.0.

Understanding CVE-2021-22149

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2021-22149 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-22149?

The vulnerability in Elastic Enterprise Search App Search versions before 7.14.0 allows an authenticated attacker to exploit missing authorization of API keys, potentially accessing API keys of higher privileged users.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22149

The vulnerability could enable an attacker to misuse API keys associated with more privileged accounts, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22149

This section outlines the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-22149 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Elastic Enterprise Search App Search versions before 7.14.0 are susceptible to an issue where API keys lack proper authorization, enabling attackers to misuse keys from higher privileged users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Elastic Enterprise Search App Search versions earlier than 7.14.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access can exploit the vulnerability by leveraging the alternate route for API keys, potentially gaining unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here we discuss the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-22149.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Elastic Enterprise Search installations to version 7.14.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, review and restrict API key access to essential functions only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls and regularly monitor API key usage to detect any unauthorized activities. Consider periodic security audits to ensure the safety of your systems.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Elastic and promptly apply patches to eliminate vulnerabilities and enhance system security.