CVE-2021-33324 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The Layout module in Liferay Portal 7.1.0 through 7.3.1, and Liferay DXP 7.1 before fix pack 20, and 7.2 before fix pack 5, has a vulnerability that allows remote authenticated users without view permission to view a page via a site's page administration.

Understanding CVE-2021-33324

This CVE describes a permission check bypass vulnerability in Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP, potentially enabling unauthorized access to certain pages.

What is CVE-2021-33324?

The CVE-2021-33324 vulnerability exists in the Layout module of Liferay Portal versions 7.1.0 to 7.3.1, and Liferay DXP versions 7.1 (before fix pack 20) and 7.2 (before fix pack 5). It allows authenticated users without view permission to access a page via the site's page administration.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33324

The security issue poses a risk as it enables users with restricted access rights to view pages they shouldn't have permission to access. This could lead to unauthorized data exposure and compromise the confidentiality of the information displayed on those pages.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33324

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper permission checks in the Layout module, enabling authenticated users lacking view permission to navigate through pages via the site's page administration.

Affected Systems and Versions

Liferay Portal versions 7.1.0 to 7.3.1 and Liferay DXP versions 7.1 (before fix pack 20) and 7.2 (before fix pack 5) are affected by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote authenticated users without the necessary view permission for a specific page can exploit this vulnerability by accessing the page through a site's page administration interface.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems and data from potential exploitation, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply relevant patches and updates provided by Liferay to address this vulnerability promptly. Additionally, review and adjust page permissions to restrict unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should enforce strict access controls, conduct regular security audits, and educate users on proper permission settings to prevent similar issues.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Liferay and ensure timely patching of software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.