CVE-2021-2391 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in Oracle BI Publisher, affecting multiple versions of the software. This CVE allows a low privileged attacker to compromise Oracle BI Publisher, potentially leading to a complete takeover of the system.

Understanding CVE-2021-2391

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2021-2391 vulnerability, its impacts, affected systems, and how to mitigate the risks associated with it.

What is CVE-2021-2391?

The vulnerability exists in the Oracle BI Publisher product of Oracle Fusion Middleware, particularly in the Scheduler component. The affected versions include 5.5.0.0.0, 11.1.1.9.0, 12.2.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.4.0. It is classified as an easily exploitable flaw, allowing an attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise the Oracle BI Publisher.

The Impact of CVE-2021-2391

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a complete takeover of the Oracle BI Publisher system. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating high impacts on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-2391

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-2391, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Oracle BI Publisher allows a low privileged attacker to compromise the system via HTTP, potentially leading to a complete takeover of the BI Publisher.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Oracle BI Publisher versions 5.5.0.0.0, 11.1.1.9.0, 12.2.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.4.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a low privileged attacker with network access through HTTP, posing a significant risk to the system's security.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-2391 to ensure the security of Oracle BI Publisher.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security patches provided by Oracle promptly and review network access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a robust security policy, conducting regular security assessments, and educating users on best security practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected versions of Oracle BI Publisher are updated with the latest patches and security updates released by Oracle to address CVE-2021-2391.