CVE-2021-3456 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-3456, an improper authorization flaw in Foreman's Salt plugin allowing authenticated attackers to access, delete resources & cause denial of service.
An improper authorization handling flaw was found in Foreman. The Salt plugin for the smart-proxy allows Foreman clients to execute actions that should be limited to the Foreman Server. This flaw allows an authenticated local attacker to access and delete limited resources and also causes a denial of service on the Foreman server. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to integrity and system availability.
Understanding CVE-2021-3456
This CVE details an improper authorization handling vulnerability in Foreman's Salt plugin, impacting system integrity and availability.
What is CVE-2021-3456?
CVE-2021-3456 is a vulnerability in Foreman's Salt plugin that enables unauthorized local attackers to access and delete restricted resources, leading to a denial of service on the Foreman server.
The Impact of CVE-2021-3456
The vulnerability poses a significant threat to the integrity and availability of systems by allowing authenticated attackers to execute actions reserved for the Foreman Server.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-3456
This section covers specific technical details regarding the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in the smart-proxy's Salt plugin permits Foreman clients to perform actions designated for the Foreman Server, compromising system security and availability.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects smart_proxy_salt versions up to and including 2.1.5.
Exploitation Mechanism
An authenticated local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to access and delete restricted resources, causing a denial of service on the Foreman server.
Mitigation and Prevention
Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices can help mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-3456.
Immediate Steps to Take
Ensure timely patching and restrict access to sensitive resources to prevent unauthorized actions.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regular security assessments, access control reviews, and user training can enhance overall system security.
Patching and Updates
Apply patches provided by the vendor promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.