CVE-2021-22521 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A privileged escalation vulnerability has been identified in Micro Focus ZENworks Configuration Management, affecting version 2020 Update 1 and all prior versions. This vulnerability could allow unauthorized users to gain system privileges.

Understanding CVE-2021-22521

This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of the CVE-2021-22521 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-22521?

CVE-2021-22521 is a privileged escalation vulnerability in Micro Focus ZENworks Configuration Management, specifically in version 2020 Update 1 and all versions released before that. It enables attackers to elevate their privileges without authorization.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22521

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows threat actors to gain unauthorized access and control over systems running the affected versions of ZENworks Configuration Management. This can lead to further exploitation and compromise of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22521

In this section, we delve into the specific technical aspects related to the CVE-2021-22521 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the privilege escalation mechanism of Micro Focus ZENworks Configuration Management. Attackers can exploit this flaw to escalate their privileges and execute unauthorized actions on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Micro Focus ZENworks Configuration Management versions up to and including 2020 Update 1 are susceptible to this privilege escalation vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging this vulnerability, malicious actors can manipulate the system to gain elevated privileges, enabling them to perform unauthorized activities.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the CVE-2021-22521 vulnerability, immediate steps and long-term security practices need to be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Micro Focus to address the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities indicating privilege escalation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities proactively.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access rights and minimize the impact of potential exploits.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Micro Focus for ZENworks Configuration Management. Regularly update the software to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.