CVE-2021-27856 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A critical vulnerability has been identified in FatPipe WARP, IPVPN, and MPVPN software versions prior to 10.1.2r60p91 and 10.2.2r42. This vulnerability allows unauthorized access due to the presence of an administrative account with no password.

Understanding CVE-2021-27856

This CVE refers to the existence of an administrative account named "cmuser" in FatPipe software versions that have no password set, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2021-27856?

FatPipe WARP, IPVPN, and MPVPN software versions prior to 10.1.2r60p91 and 10.2.2r42 contain an account named "cmuser" with administrative rights and no password, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2021-27856

With a CVSS base score of 9.8/10, this critical vulnerability could be exploited remotely with no privileges required to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-27856

The following are the technical details of this CVE:

Vulnerability Description

The presence of the "cmuser" administrative account with no password in FatPipe software could allow unauthorized users to gain administrative privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

FatPipe WARP, IPVPN, and MPVPN software versions less than 10.1.2r60p91 and 10.2.2r42 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely over a network without requiring any user interaction, potentially causing high impact on availability, confidentiality, and integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-27856, it is crucial to take immediate action and implement long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FatPipe software to versions 10.1.2r60p91 or 10.2.2r42 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Change default account credentials and enforce strong password policies.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches from FatPipe.
Conduct security audits to identify and address any other potential vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from FatPipe and apply patches promptly to ensure the safety of your systems.