CVE-2021-32551 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the 'apport' package, specifically in the read_file() function, could allow malicious actors to access private data by following symbolic links. This CVE was discovered on May 25, 2021, with a CVSS base score of 7.3.

Understanding CVE-2021-32551

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-32551 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-32551?

CVE-2021-32551 involves improper handling of symbolic links through the read_file() function of the 'apport' package, potentially leading to the exposure of sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2021-32551

The vulnerability poses a high threat to confidentiality, with a CVSS base severity rating of HIGH (7.3).

Technical Details of CVE-2021-32551

Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-32551 vulnerability in this section.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from read_file() in apport/hookutils.py, which can inadvertently expose private data to unauthorized local users.

Affected Systems and Versions

Several versions of the 'apport' package are affected, including 2.20.1, 2.20.9, 2.20.11-0ubuntu27, 2.20.11-0ubuntu50, 2.20.11-0ubuntu65, and 2.14.1-0ubuntu3.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging malicious symbolic links or FIFOs, attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your systems from CVE-2021-32551 in this section.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the 'apport' package to a non-vulnerable version and monitor for any unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Canonical to address CVE-2021-32551.