CVE-2021-27668 : Security Advisory and Response

HashiCorp Vault Enterprise 0.9.2 through 1.6.2 allowed the read of license metadata from DR secondaries without authentication. Fixed in 1.6.3.

Understanding CVE-2021-27668

This CVE involves a vulnerability in HashiCorp Vault Enterprise versions 0.9.2 through 1.6.2 that allowed unauthorized access to license metadata from Disaster Recovery (DR) secondaries.

What is CVE-2021-27668?

CVE-2021-27668 is a security flaw in HashiCorp Vault Enterprise that permitted the retrieval of license metadata from DR secondaries without the need for authentication, potentially exposing sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2021-27668

The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to access confidential license information stored in the DR secondary servers of HashiCorp Vault Enterprise versions 0.9.2 through 1.6.2. This could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-27668

The technical details of CVE-2021-27668 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in HashiCorp Vault Enterprise allowed unauthorized users to read license metadata from DR secondaries without proper authentication, exposing critical information.

Affected Systems and Versions

HashiCorp Vault Enterprise versions 0.9.2 through 1.6.2 are affected by this vulnerability, leaving systems running these versions susceptible to unauthorized access to license data.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involved accessing license metadata from DR secondaries without the need for authentication, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-27668, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update HashiCorp Vault Enterprise to version 1.6.3 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed. Ensure proper authentication mechanisms are in place to restrict unauthorized access to license metadata.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure authentication and access control measures within your environment to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Regularly monitor and update your systems to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from HashiCorp. Regularly apply patches and updates to ensure that your systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.