CVE-2021-31646 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Gestsup before version 3.2.10 is impacted by CVE-2021-31646, allowing attackers to perform an account takeover using the password recovery feature. The vulnerability is due to the weak algorithm used for generating password recovery tokens in the forgot_pwd.php file, enabling brute force attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-31646

This section provides insights into the nature and implications of the CVE-2021-31646 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-31646?

CVE-2021-31646 affects Gestsup versions before 3.2.10, enabling threat actors to execute an account takeover by exploiting the password recovery mechanism.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31646

The vulnerability in Gestsup allows malicious actors to conduct brute force attacks through the weak password recovery token generation, potentially leading to unauthorized account access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31646

Explore the technical aspects and specifics of CVE-2021-31646 to better understand its mechanics and implications.

Vulnerability Description

Gestsup before 3.2.10 suffers from a security flaw where the forgot_pwd.php file uses a vulnerable algorithm, the PHP uniqueid function, to create password recovery tokens. This weakness facilitates brute force attacks, enabling unauthorized access to targeted accounts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts all versions of Gestsup that are earlier than 3.2.10, exposing them to the account takeover risk associated with the weak password recovery token generation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors can exploit CVE-2021-31646 by leveraging the flawed password recovery token generation process in the forgot_pwd.php file. Through brute force attacks, attackers can gain unauthorized access to user accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the strategies and measures that can be implemented to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-31646 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2021-31646, organizations using Gestsup should update to version 3.2.10 or later to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance security posture.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure robust password policies, implement multi-factor authentication, and regularly educate users on best security practices to bolster defenses against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for software updates and security patches released by Gestsup to promptly apply fixes and enhancements that address known vulnerabilities.