CVE-2021-3396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover how CVE-2021-3396 impacts OpenNMS Meridian and Horizon versions 2016-2020. Learn about the risk of code execution and steps to prevent exploitation.
OpenNMS Meridian versions 2016, 2017, 2018 before 2018.1.25, 2019 before 2019.1.16, and 2020 before 2020.1.5, along with Horizon 1.2 through 27.0.4 and Newts <1.5.3 are affected by Incorrect Access Control, leading to local and remote code execution using JEXL expressions.
Understanding CVE-2021-3396
This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of the CVE.
What is CVE-2021-3396?
CVE-2021-3396 refers to Incorrect Access Control in OpenNMS Meridian and Horizon versions, allowing threat actors to execute code through JEXL expressions.
The Impact of CVE-2021-3396
The vulnerability permits both local and remote code execution, posing a serious threat to systems running affected OpenNMS software.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-3396
Here, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
CVE-2021-3396 relates to the lack of proper access control in OpenNMS software, enabling attackers to execute malicious code leveraging JEXL expressions.
Affected Systems and Versions
Systems running OpenNMS Meridian versions 2016 to 2020 and Horizon 1.2 to 27.0.4, including Newts <1.5.3, are vulnerable to this security issue.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows threat actors to exploit inadequate access controls to execute arbitrary code locally or remotely using JEXL expressions.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section highlights crucial steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-3396.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is recommended to update the affected OpenNMS versions to the patched releases, such as 2018.1.25, 2019.1.16, and 2020.1.5, along with Horizon 27.0.4, to address the access control issue.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing strong access control policies, regularly monitoring for vulnerabilities, and ensuring timely software updates can enhance the overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Staying vigilant for security advisories from OpenNMS and promptly applying patches is critical to protecting systems from potential exploitation.