CVE-2021-26966 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A remote authenticated SQL injection vulnerability was discovered in Aruba AirWave Management Platform version(s) prior to 8.2.12.0. This vulnerability could allow an authenticated remote attacker to conduct SQL injection attacks against the AirWave instance, potentially resulting in the unauthorized access and modification of sensitive information in the underlying database.

Understanding CVE-2021-26966

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2021-26966 vulnerability found in the Aruba AirWave Management Platform.

What is CVE-2021-26966?

The CVE-2021-26966 vulnerability is a remote authenticated SQL injection vulnerability in the Aruba AirWave Management Platform. It allows an authenticated remote attacker to perform SQL injection attacks on the AirWave instance, enabling them to access and alter sensitive data within the database.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26966

The impact of CVE-2021-26966 includes the potential unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the AirWave Management Platform database. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could modify data, leading to data loss, manipulation, or unauthorized actions within the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26966

In this section, we delve into the technical specifics of CVE-2021-26966 to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the API of the AirWave Management Platform, allowing authenticated remote attackers to execute SQL injection attacks. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can manipulate and access sensitive data in the database.

Affected Systems and Versions

Aruba AirWave Management Platform versions prior to 8.2.12.0 are affected by this vulnerability. Users operating on these versions are at risk of exploitation by remote attackers.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote authenticated attackers can exploit CVE-2021-26966 by utilizing SQL injection techniques on the AirWave instance. This allows them to send malicious SQL queries to the database, potentially extracting or modifying critical information.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-26966 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Aruba AirWave Management Platform to version 8.2.12.0 or later to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring system logs for any suspicious activities can help detect potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong authentication mechanisms, conducting regular security audits, and providing security training to employees are crucial for enhancing the overall security posture and reducing the risk of future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates from the vendor, in this case, Aruba, is essential to protect systems from known vulnerabilities. Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to reduce exposure to security risks.