CVE-2021-27258 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2021-27258 article provides detailed information on a critical vulnerability in SolarWinds Orion Platform 2020.2 that allows remote attackers to elevate privileges without authentication. The article covers the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps related to this vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-27258

CVE-2021-27258 is a critical vulnerability in SolarWinds Orion Platform 2020.2 that enables remote attackers to escalate privileges without the need for authentication.

What is CVE-2021-27258?

CVE-2021-27258 allows unauthenticated remote attackers to elevate privileges on affected installations of SolarWinds Orion Platform 2020.2. The vulnerability exists within the SaveUserSetting endpoint due to improper access control, enabling attackers to escalate their privileges from Guest to Administrator.

The Impact of CVE-2021-27258

The CVSS v3.0 base score for CVE-2021-27258 is 9.8 (Critical), with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack complexity is low, with no privileges required and no user interaction, making it a significant threat to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-27258

The technical details of CVE-2021-27258 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper restriction of the SaveUserSetting endpoint, enabling unprivileged users to escalate their privileges without authentication.

Affected Systems and Versions

SolarWinds Orion Platform 2020.2 is the affected version by this vulnerability, allowing remote attackers to exploit the SaveUserSetting endpoint and elevate their privileges.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication, leveraging the improper access control of the SaveUserSetting endpoint to elevate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your systems from CVE-2021-27258 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk of CVE-2021-27258, organizations should apply security updates provided by SolarWinds promptly. Additionally, monitoring and restricting access to the affected endpoint are essential.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, regularly updating and patching systems, and conducting security audits are crucial long-term security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates from SolarWinds is essential to protect systems from CVE-2021-27258 and other potential security threats.