CVE-2021-3503 : Security Advisory and Response

A flaw was discovered in Wildfly that could potentially expose metrics data due to insufficient Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) restrictions. This vulnerability poses a significant threat to the confidentiality of the affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2021-3503

In this section, we will delve into what CVE-2021-3503 is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-3503?

CVE-2021-3503 is a vulnerability in Wildfly that arises from inadequate RBAC restrictions, allowing potential exposure of sensitive metrics data. The CWE-200 classification highlights the risk of unauthorized access to confidential information.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3503

The primary impact of CVE-2021-3503 is the potential compromise of the confidentiality of data stored or processed on systems running affected versions of Wildfly. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, posing a serious security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3503

Let's explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism in detail.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Wildfly allows attackers to bypass RBAC restrictions and access metrics data, leading to the exposure of confidential information. This can result in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Wildfly versions, particularly those below 23.0.1.Final, are susceptible to CVE-2021-3503. Systems running these versions are at risk of data exposure due to inadequate RBAC controls.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the lack of proper RBAC restrictions within Wildfly. Through targeted manipulation, they can access metrics data and potentially extract sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-3503 and enhance the security of your systems, consider the following mitigation measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Wildfly to version 23.0.1.Final or newer to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Review RBAC configurations to ensure proper access controls are in place to protect sensitive data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches released by Wildfly to address potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and rectify any misconfigurations or weaknesses in RBAC policies.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Wildfly and promptly apply patches to secure your systems against known vulnerabilities.