CVE-2021-3429 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-3429, a vulnerability in cloud-init that could lead to sensitive data exposure due to improper handling of random password generation.

Understanding CVE-2021-3429

This section will cover the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-3429.

What is CVE-2021-3429?

CVE-2021-3429 is a vulnerability in cloud-init that allows a local user to log in as another user by exposing sensitive data in log files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3429

The vulnerability in cloud-init versions before 21.2 could result in a local user gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, posing a high confidentiality risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3429

An in-depth look at the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

Cloud-init versions before 21.2 would inadvertently log random passwords to a world-readable log file, facilitating unauthorized access by local users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts cloud-init versions less than 21.2 on Linux platforms.

Exploitation Mechanism

By setting a random password for a new user account using cloud-init, the password gets logged to /var/log/cloud-init-output.log, enabling local user exploitation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Best practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-3429 and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update cloud-init to version 21.2 or above to avoid password exposure in log files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure password handling procedures and regularly monitor log files for sensitive information exposure.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Canonical Ltd. for cloud-init to address vulnerabilities.