CVE-2021-26589 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2021-26589, affects HPE Superdome Flex Servers. This vulnerability could be exploited remotely to enable Cross Site Scripting (XSS) due to the missing HttpOnly Attribute in the Session Cookie. HPE has released a firmware update to address this vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-26589

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2021-26589 vulnerability affecting HPE Superdome Flex Servers.

What is CVE-2021-26589?

CVE-2021-26589 is a security vulnerability found in HPE Superdome Flex Servers that allows remote attackers to conduct Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks by exploiting the absence of the HttpOnly Attribute in the Session Cookie.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26589

The absence of the HttpOnly Attribute in the Session Cookie of HPE Superdome Flex Servers can lead to potential Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, exposing sensitive user data to threat actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26589

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-26589 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in HPE Superdome Flex Servers arises from the missing HttpOnly Attribute in the Session Cookie, enabling malicious actors to execute Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

HPE Superdome Flex Servers prior to Version 3.40.106 are vulnerable to CVE-2021-26589 due to the absence of the necessary security attributes in the Session Cookie.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can leverage the missing HttpOnly Attribute in the Session Cookie of HPE Superdome Flex Servers to inject malicious scripts and conduct Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here's how organizations can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-26589 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply the firmware update provided by HPE to address the vulnerability promptly.
Implement network security measures to detect and block XSS attacks targeting HPE Superdome Flex Servers.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate potential security gaps.
Educate software developers and administrators on secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that HPE Superdome Flex Servers are updated to Version 3.40.106 or later to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of the systems.