CVE-2021-25269 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-25269, a vulnerability in Sophos Intercept X Advanced, Intercept X Advanced for Server, and Sophos Exploit Prevention. Understand the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
This article discusses CVE-2021-25269, a vulnerability that affects Sophos Intercept X Advanced, Intercept X Advanced for Server, and Sophos Exploit Prevention. The vulnerability allows a local administrator to prevent the HMPA service from starting, despite tamper protection.
Understanding CVE-2021-25269
CVE-2021-25269 is a security vulnerability found in Sophos Intercept X Advanced, Intercept X Advanced for Server, and Sophos Exploit Prevention. The vulnerability arises from an unquoted service path issue in the HMPA component, allowing a local administrator to disrupt the HMPA service.
What is CVE-2021-25269?
The CVE-2021-25269 vulnerability enables local administrators to hinder the HMPA service's startup by exploiting an unquoted service path flaw in Sophos Intercept X Advanced and Sophos Exploit Prevention prior to specific versions.
The Impact of CVE-2021-25269
This vulnerability has a medium severity rating, with a CVSS base score of 4.4. It has a low attack complexity and requires high privileges, impacting the availability of the affected systems significantly.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-25269
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows local administrators to disrupt the HMPA service's startup by exploiting an unquoted service path issue in Sophos Intercept X Advanced, Intercept X Advanced for Server, and Sophos Exploit Prevention before specific versions.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Intercept X Advanced: versions prior to 2.0.23
- Intercept X Advanced for Server: versions prior to 2.0.23
- Sophos Exploit Prevention: versions prior to 3.8.3
Exploitation Mechanism
By taking advantage of an unquoted service path vulnerability, local administrators can prevent the HMPA service from starting, bypassing tamper protection measures.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
To mitigate the CVE-2021-25269 vulnerability, users should update Sophos Intercept X Advanced, Intercept X Advanced for Server, and Sophos Exploit Prevention to versions 2.0.23 and 3.8.3, respectively.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing strong administrative controls and monitoring for unusual service disruptions are recommended to enhance security posture.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying security patches and updates from Sophos is essential to protect systems from known vulnerabilities.