CVE-2021-31851 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in McAfee Policy Auditor prior to 6.5.2 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the profileNodeID request parameters. This could result in the extraction of end user session tokens or login credentials, enabling unauthorized access to critical applications.

Understanding CVE-2021-31851

This CVE involves a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in McAfee Policy Auditor that poses a risk to user session security.

What is CVE-2021-31851?

CVE-2021-31851 is a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in McAfee Policy Auditor versions prior to 6.5.2. It allows malicious actors to inject web script or HTML via specific request parameters, potentially compromising user login credentials.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31851

The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to the unauthorized extraction of end user session tokens and login credentials. Attackers may leverage the compromised credentials to gain access to sensitive applications or execute malicious cross-domain requests.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31851

The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS base score of 6.1, indicating a medium severity issue with low confidentiality and integrity impacts.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing for the injection of arbitrary web scripts or HTML content.

Affected Systems and Versions

McAfee Policy Auditor versions prior to 6.5.2 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

A remote unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious content via the profileNodeID request parameters, which is then reflected unmodified in the Policy Auditor web interface.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-31851.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update McAfee Policy Auditor to version 6.5.2 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activities related to unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing practices and awareness of potential phishing attempts.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from McAfee, LLC, and promptly apply patches to ensure the protection of your systems.