CVE-2021-23241 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

MERCUSYS Mercury X18G 1.0.5 devices are affected by a Directory Traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass authentication on the web server. This can be exploited using specific URIs, ultimately leading to unauthorized access and potential data disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-23241

This CVE relates to a security flaw in MERCUSYS Mercury X18G 1.0.5 devices that enables attackers to traverse directories and carry out an authentication bypass.

What is CVE-2021-23241?

The CVE-2021-23241 vulnerability in MERCUSYS Mercury X18G 1.0.5 devices permits unauthorized individuals to access sensitive directories by manipulating URIs, such as /loginLess/../../etc/passwd.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23241

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to critical system files, potentially leading to data leakage or further system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23241

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability to provide a deeper understanding of the issue.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in MERCUSYS Mercury X18G 1.0.5 devices allows Directory Traversal via specially crafted URIs, specifically ../ in combination with loginLess or login.htm URI, enabling an attacker to bypass authentication.

Affected Systems and Versions

MERCUSYS Mercury X18G 1.0.5 devices are impacted by this vulnerability, particularly in versions 1.0.5.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacks can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating URIs, like /loginLess/../../etc/passwd, to traverse directories and access unauthorized areas.

Mitigation and Prevention

To counter the risks associated with CVE-2021-23241, immediate actions and long-term security protocols are necessary.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should apply security patches provided by MERCUSYS promptly and enforce strong access controls to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular security assessments, network segmentation, and access restrictions, can enhance overall security posture and reduce exposure to similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches released by MERCUSYS to address vulnerabilities promptly and ensure a secure environment.