CVE-2021-23154 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Command injection vulnerability in Lens prior to version 5.3.4 allows arbitrary shell command execution via malicious custom helm chart configuration.

Understanding CVE-2021-23154

Lens, a product by Mirantis, is impacted by a command injection vulnerability due to improper control of code generation, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands.

What is CVE-2021-23154?

In Lens versions before 5.3.4, specially crafted helm chart configurations can lead to the execution of arbitrary shell commands, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23154

With a CVSS base score of 6.3 (Medium Severity), the vulnerability has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running the affected versions of Lens.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23154

The vulnerability stems from the insecure generation of helm commands using concatenated user-provided arguments, leading to the execution of unauthorized shell commands.

Vulnerability Description

Lens versions up to 5.3.3 allow for the execution of arbitrary shell commands by exploiting the custom helm chart configuration functionality.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Lens versions prior to 5.3.4, particularly version 5.3, which uses custom helm charts.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing malicious arguments in custom helm chart configurations, tricking the system into executing unauthorized shell commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-23154, immediate action is crucial to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability and protect affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Lens to version 5.3.4 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability.
Review and secure helm chart configurations to avoid executing arbitrary shell commands.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and apply security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate potential risks in helm chart configurations.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Mirantis and promptly apply patches and updates to ensure the security of your systems.