CVE-2021-32576 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Acronis True Image prior to 2021 Update 4 for Windows had a vulnerability that allowed local privilege escalation due to improper soft link handling.

Understanding CVE-2021-32576

This CVE identifier pertains to a specific vulnerability found in Acronis True Image software.

What is CVE-2021-32576?

CVE-2021-32576 refers to a security flaw in Acronis True Image before 2021 Update 4 for Windows. The vulnerability enabled local privilege escalation through the mishandling of soft links.

The Impact of CVE-2021-32576

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential elevation of local user privileges, which could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to system resources.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-32576

Below are the technical details associated with CVE-2021-32576.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allowed an attacker with local access to escalate their privileges by exploiting the way soft links were handled in Acronis True Image.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Acronis True Image software prior to the 2021 Update 4 for Windows are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors could exploit this vulnerability by utilizing the improper handling of soft links within the software to escalate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your system from the risks associated with CVE-2021-32576, the following measures can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Acronis True Image to version 2021 Update 4 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Restrict access to vulnerable systems to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for software updates and security patches provided by Acronis.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of software updates and security patches provided by Acronis to address known vulnerabilities.