CVE-2021-29741 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-29741 affecting IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, and VIOS 3.1. Discover the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for this privilege escalation vulnerability.
IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a local user to exploit a vulnerability in Korn Shell (ksh) to gain root privileges. This article provides insights into CVE-2021-29741, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
Understanding CVE-2021-29741
This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-29741 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-29741?
IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, and VIOS 3.1 are susceptible to a security flaw that enables a local user to escalate privileges through Korn Shell (ksh), potentially leading to unauthorized root access.
The Impact of CVE-2021-29741
With a CVSSv3 base score of 8.4 (High Severity), this vulnerability poses a significant threat. An attacker with local access could exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-29741
This section outlines the technical aspects of CVE-2021-29741.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Korn Shell (ksh) within IBM AIX and VIOS allows a local user to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, posing a severe security risk.
Affected Systems and Versions
IBM AIX versions 7.1 and 7.2, along with VIOS 3.1, are impacted by this vulnerability, potentially affecting a wide range of systems.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited locally, requiring no special privileges, making it easier for threat actors to escalate their access.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover ways to mitigate and address the CVE-2021-29741 vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
IBM users are advised to apply official fixes promptly, review access controls, and monitor for any suspicious activities to prevent unauthorized escalation of privileges.
Long-Term Security Practices
To enhance security, organizations should implement robust security measures, conduct regular security assessments, and train personnel on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
IBM has released patches to address the CVE-2021-29741 vulnerability. Ensure systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches from the vendor to mitigate risks and enhance system security.