CVE-2021-27654 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been identified in Pega Infinity software, allowing attackers to bypass local authentication checks using forgotten password reset functionality.

Understanding CVE-2021-27654

This CVE impacts Pega Infinity software and poses a significant risk to systems utilizing affected versions.

What is CVE-2021-27654?

The vulnerability in Pega Infinity enables threat actors to circumvent local authentication controls by exploiting the forgotten password reset feature for local accounts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-27654

With a CVSS base score of 8.8, this high-severity vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, compromising data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-27654

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE, outlining the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Pega Infinity allows malicious actors to exploit the forgotten password reset functionality to bypass local authentication mechanisms, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Pega Infinity version 8.2.1 and versions below 8.6.1, leaving systems with these configurations exposed to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage the weak password recovery mechanism for forgotten passwords to gain unauthorized access to local accounts, exploiting the inherent security loophole.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-27654, immediate actions must be taken to secure affected systems and prevent exploitation. Long-term security practices and timely patching are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply official fixes provided by Pegasystems to remediate the vulnerability and enhance system security. Additionally, enforcing strong password policies and monitoring authentication processes can help mitigate risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing multi-factor authentication, conducting regular security assessments, and keeping software up to date are essential long-term security measures to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Pega Infinity to the latest secure versions and promptly applying security patches released by the vendor is critical in preventing exploitation and ensuring the overall security of the software.