CVE-2021-27022 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A flaw was discovered in Puppet Enterprise's bolt-server and ace components, where running a task with sensitive parameters causes those parameters to be logged improperly on SSH/WinRM nodes. This vulnerability has been assigned CVE-2021-27022 and was published on September 7, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2021-27022

This section will delve into the details regarding the CVE-2021-27022 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-27022?

CVE-2021-27022 involves the inappropriate logging of sensitive parameters when executing tasks in bolt-server and ace components within Puppet Enterprise. Specifically, this flaw affects SSH/WinRM nodes.

The Impact of CVE-2021-27022

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it exposes sensitive information that should remain confidential to unauthorized users. This could potentially lead to security breaches and compromise the integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-27022

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-27022.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in bolt-server and ace allows sensitive parameters to be logged incorrectly during task execution, posing a security risk for organizations utilizing SSH/WinRM nodes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Puppet Enterprise version 2019.8.7 is confirmed to be affected by CVE-2021-27022. Organizations using this specific version should take immediate action to secure their systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves executing tasks with sensitive parameters on SSH/WinRM nodes, leading to the inadvertent logging of this confidential data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2021-27022 vulnerability, organizations should implement the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update Puppet Enterprise to a patched version to prevent the improper logging of sensitive parameters. Moreover, organizations should review and restrict access to these logged parameters.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, enterprises should establish robust logging policies, conduct regular security audits, and provide comprehensive training to staff to enhance data protection measures.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Puppet Enterprise and monitoring for security patches is essential to prevent potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-27022 from being exploited.