CVE-2021-26989 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Clustered Data ONTAP versions prior to 9.3P21, 9.5P16, 9.6P12, 9.7P9, and 9.8 are susceptible to a vulnerability that could allow a remote authenticated attacker to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) on clustered Data ONTAP configured for SMB access.

Understanding CVE-2021-26989

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in Clustered Data ONTAP that could be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker to launch a Denial of Service attack.

What is CVE-2021-26989?

CVE-2021-26989 is a security vulnerability found in Clustered Data ONTAP versions that can be abused by an authenticated remote attacker to disrupt services and cause a Denial of Service condition.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26989

The vulnerability in CVE-2021-26989 can have severe consequences as it allows attackers to potentially disrupt services and impact the availability of clustered Data ONTAP systems configured for SMB access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26989

The details regarding the vulnerability, impacted systems, and exploitation are crucial for understanding and addressing CVE-2021-26989.

Vulnerability Description

Clustered Data ONTAP versions prior to 9.3P21, 9.5P16, 9.6P12, 9.7P9, and 9.8 contain a vulnerability that can be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker to trigger a Denial of Service condition on systems utilizing SMB access configurations.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include Clustered Data ONTAP installations running versions earlier than 9.3P21, 9.5P16, 9.6P12, 9.7P9, and 9.8. Organizations using these versions are at risk of potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with remote authenticated access can leverage this vulnerability to launch a Denial of Service attack on vulnerable Clustered Data ONTAP instances configured for SMB access, disrupting normal services.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2021-26989 requires prompt actions to secure the affected systems and prevent potential misuse.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply the necessary patches and updates provided by NetApp to mitigate the vulnerability. It is crucial to ensure that all vulnerable systems are promptly secured.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining a robust security posture by implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular security audits can help prevent future vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Clustered Data ONTAP systems to versions 9.3P21, 9.5P16, 9.6P12, 9.7P9, or 9.8 and staying informed about security advisories from NetApp is essential to safeguard against known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.