CVE-2021-34579 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security vulnerability, CVE-2021-34579, has been identified in Phoenix Contact: FL MGUARD DM version 1.12.0 and 1.13.0. This CVE is related to improper privilege management that could potentially allow attackers with network access to obtain sensitive information without requiring login credentials.

Understanding CVE-2021-34579

This section provides an overview of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

What is CVE-2021-34579?

The vulnerability in Phoenix Contact: FL MGUARD DM version 1.12.0 and 1.13.0 allows unauthorized users to access the Apache web server without authentication, potentially leading to the disclosure of sensitive information such as private keys associated with IPsec VPN connections.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34579

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high with a base score of 7.5 according to the CVSS v3.1 scoring system. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to bypass authentication and access confidential information, posing a risk to the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34579

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper privilege management in the FL MGUARD DM software versions 1.12.0 and 1.13.0, allowing unauthorized users to download mGuard configuration profiles without authentication.

Affected Systems and Versions

Phoenix Contact: FL MGUARD DM version 1.12.0 and 1.13.0 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with network access to the Apache web server installed as part of FL MGUARD DM can exploit this vulnerability to access and download sensitive configuration profiles.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2021-34579 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to restrict network access to the Apache web server and apply security updates provided by Phoenix Contact to address this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing proper privilege management, regularly updating software, and monitoring network activity can help prevent unauthorized access and data leakage.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected FL MGUARD DM versions are updated to the latest patched releases to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.