CVE-2021-28480 : What You Need to Know

A critical Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server poses a severe threat to systems running specific versions. Here's everything you need to understand about CVE-2021-28480.

Understanding CVE-2021-28480

This vulnerability, identified as a Remote Code Execution flaw, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable Microsoft Exchange Servers.

What is CVE-2021-28480?

CVE-2021-28480 is a critical Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server that could be exploited by attackers to run malicious code on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28480

With a CVSS base severity of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical. An attacker can achieve complete control over the system, leading to potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28480

Let's dive into the technical aspects of this critical vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system running specific versions of Microsoft Exchange Server.

Affected Systems and Versions

Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 23: Versions 15.00.0 to 15.00.1497.015
Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 19: Versions 15.01.0 to 15.01.2176.012
Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 8: Versions 15.02.0 to 15.02.0792.013

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to the target server, triggering the execution of malicious code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your systems from CVE-2021-28480 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates and patches provided by Microsoft for the affected Exchange Server versions.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems to prevent future vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates released by Microsoft for Exchange Server to mitigate the risk of exploitation.