CVE-2021-22656 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-22656, a vulnerability found in Advantech iView versions prior to v5.7.03.6112 that could potentially lead to directory traversal attacks and unauthorized access to sensitive files.

Understanding CVE-2021-22656

CVE-2021-22656 is a security vulnerability identified in Advantech iView software versions earlier than v5.7.03.6112, allowing malicious actors to exploit directory traversal to retrieve confidential data.

What is CVE-2021-22656?

The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of pathnames by Advantech iView, leading to a path traversal flaw (CWE-22). Attackers could navigate through directories and read sensitive files accessible to the application.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22656

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to critical data, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of information stored on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22656

CVE-2021-22656 stems from a path traversal weakness in Advantech iView versions prior to v5.7.03.6112, enabling threat actors to access files beyond the intended directory.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows threat actors to bypass directory restrictions and read sensitive files that are meant to be protected from unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Advantech iView software versions prior to v5.7.03.6112 are susceptible to this vulnerability, exposing systems that have not been updated to the latest secure version.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious users can exploit this flaw by manipulating file paths to traverse directories and gain access to confidential information stored on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-22656, immediate action must be taken to secure affected systems and prevent potential unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Advantech iView to version v5.7.03.6112 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of the software.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as access controls, regular security assessments, and ongoing monitoring, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates for software products is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and protect against potential exploitation.