CVE-2021-31480 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2021-31480 article provides details about a vulnerability in OpenText Brava! Desktop version 16.6.3.84 that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Understanding CVE-2021-31480

This section delves into what CVE-2021-31480 entails, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-31480?

CVE-2021-31480 is a vulnerability that enables remote attackers to run arbitrary code on affected installations of OpenText Brava! Desktop 16.6.3.84. It requires user interaction for exploitation, where visiting a malicious page or opening a harmful file triggers the attack. The security flaw lies in the improper validation of user-supplied data, leading to a type confusion issue. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute code within the current process.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31480

The CVSS score for CVE-2021-31480 is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The attack complexity is low, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. Although no privileges are required, user interaction is necessary for successful exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31480

This section explains the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in parsing DXF files within OpenText Brava! Desktop 16.6.3.84 stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied data, resulting in a type confusion scenario. This loophole allows attackers to execute arbitrary code under the current process context.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Brava! Desktop version 16.6.3.84 by OpenText.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-31480, remote attackers must lure a target into accessing a malicious page or opening a corrupted file, triggering the execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section highlights immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should refrain from visiting unknown or suspicious websites and avoid opening files from untrusted sources. Implementing security solutions that can detect and block malicious activities is crucial.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employing robust cybersecurity measures, such as regular security training for users, network segmentation, and access control, can enhance overall defenses against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating OpenText Brava! Desktop to the latest version with security patches is essential to eliminate known vulnerabilities and strengthen the software's resilience against potential threats.