CVE-2021-33721 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-33721, a vulnerability in SINEC NMS by Siemens that could lead to command injection by an authenticated remote attacker with administrative privileges.

Understanding CVE-2021-33721

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2021-33721 vulnerability in SINEC NMS by Siemens.

What is CVE-2021-33721?

CVE-2021-33721 is a vulnerability identified in SINEC NMS (All versions < V1.0 SP2) by Siemens. The flaw allows an authenticated remote attacker with admin privileges to execute arbitrary code on the system by creating batch operations with improperly neutralized special elements.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33721

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables an attacker to run arbitrary code on the system with system privileges, leading to potential system compromise and unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33721

This section outlines the technical details of CVE-2021-33721, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, making the system susceptible to command injection attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

SINEC NMS versions < V1.0 SP2 are affected by this vulnerability, potentially impacting systems running these versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated remote attacker with administrative privileges can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious commands into batch operations, allowing the execution of arbitrary code on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides guidance on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2021-33721 and preventing potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should apply security patches provided by Siemens promptly to address this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update the SINEC NMS software to the latest version to mitigate security risks and stay protected against potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Siemens for SINEC NMS to ensure the system remains secure and protected against known vulnerabilities.