CVE-2021-2396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in the Oracle BI Publisher product of Oracle Fusion Middleware, allowing attackers to compromise the system and potentially take over Oracle BI Publisher. Here's what you need to know about CVE-2021-2396.

Understanding CVE-2021-2396

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2021-2396?

The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Oracle BI Publisher product within Oracle Fusion Middleware. Attackers with network access via HTTP can exploit this vulnerability to compromise the system. The successful exploitation can lead to the complete takeover of Oracle BI Publisher, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-2396

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating high severity. It affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, allowing attackers to take control of Oracle BI Publisher.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-2396

This section outlines the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Oracle BI Publisher product of Oracle Fusion Middleware allows low privileged attackers with network access via HTTP to compromise the system, potentially resulting in a complete takeover of Oracle BI Publisher.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following versions of the Oracle BI Publisher product are affected: 5.5.0.0.0, 11.1.1.9.0, 12.2.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.4.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle BI Publisher.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-2396, follow the recommended steps below.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update the affected versions of the Oracle BI Publisher product to the latest secure versions. Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity and restrict access to critical systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establish strong access controls, conduct regular security assessments, and educate users about phishing and social engineering tactics to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches released by Oracle to address known vulnerabilities and protect systems from potential exploitation.