CVE-2021-3044 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed overview of the CVE-2021-3044 vulnerability affecting Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR.

Understanding CVE-2021-3044

This vulnerability involves unauthorized usage of the REST API in Cortex XSOAR, potentially enabling remote attackers to perform unauthorized actions.

What is CVE-2021-3044?

An improper authorization vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR allows remote unauthenticated attackers to exploit the REST API.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3044

The vulnerability affects specific versions of Cortex XSOAR, enabling unauthorized actions through the API, with a critical severity score.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3044

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

Cortex XSOAR 6.1.0 versions between 1016923 and 1271064 are susceptible, along with Cortex XSOAR 6.2.0 versions before 1271065.

Affected Systems and Versions

Impacted versions include Cortex XSOAR 6.1.0 builds beyond 1016923 and before 1271064, and Cortex XSOAR 6.2.0 builds before 1271065.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with network access to the Cortex XSOAR server can exploit the vulnerability remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

Explore the steps to address and prevent the CVE-2021-3044 vulnerability in Cortex XSOAR.

Immediate Steps to Take

Revoke all active integration API keys in Cortex XSOAR, and restrict network access to trusted users to reduce the impact.

Long-Term Security Practices

Upgrade to Cortex XSOAR 6.1.0 build 1271064, Cortex XSOAR 6.2.0 build 1271065, or later versions.

Patching and Updates

All hosted Cortex XSOAR instances by Palo Alto Networks have been upgraded to resolve the vulnerability.