CVE-2021-34520 : What You Need to Know

Microsoft SharePoint Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability was published on July 14, 2021. It has a CVSS base score of 8.1 (High).

Understanding CVE-2021-34520

This CVE identifies a Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server.

What is CVE-2021-34520?

The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target SharePoint Server, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34520

With a severity rating of High, this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access, data theft, and complete system takeover by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34520

The following details provide insights into the nature of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2021-34520 allows remote attackers to execute code on affected Microsoft SharePoint Server instances, exploiting system vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 (Version 16.0.0 to less than 16.0.5188.1000)
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019 (Version 16.0.0 to less than 16.0.10376.20001)
Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2013 Service Pack 1 (Version 15.0.0 to less than 15.0.5363.1000)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests to the vulnerable SharePoint Server, allowing them to execute arbitrary code remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems and data from CVE-2021-34520, consider the following preventive measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Microsoft to fix the vulnerability promptly.
Implement network security measures and access controls to limit unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Microsoft SharePoint servers to address potential security flaws.
Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments to proactively identify and remediate threats.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released patches to address CVE-2021-34520. It is crucial to apply these updates to ensure the security of SharePoint Server installations.