CVE-2021-35196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the critical CVE-2021-35196 affecting Manuskript up to version 0.12.0. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps to prevent remote code execution.
Manuskript through version 0.12.0 is affected by a critical vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This is due to insecure deserialization via the pickle.load() function in settings.py. The vendor disputes the severity, claiming the product is not intended for opening untrusted project files.
Understanding CVE-2021-35196
This section provides insights into the nature of the CVE-2021-35196 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-35196?
CVE-2021-35196 refers to a security flaw in Manuskript versions up to 0.12.0, enabling hackers to execute malicious code through a specially crafted settings.pickle file.
The Impact of CVE-2021-35196
The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-35196
In this section, we delve into the specifics of the CVE-2021-35196 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from insecure deserialization via the pickle.load() function in the settings.py file of Manuskript project files.
Affected Systems and Versions
All versions of Manuskript up to 0.12.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, making them susceptible to remote code execution.
Exploitation Mechanism
Hackers exploit this vulnerability by inserting a malicious settings.pickle file in a project, triggering the insecure deserialization process and executing arbitrary commands.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section offers guidance on how to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-35196.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should refrain from opening untrusted project files and exercise caution while interacting with Manuskript projects to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, regular security audits, and staying updated on software patches can enhance overall system security.
Patching and Updates
It is crucial for users to update Manuskript to a secure version beyond 0.12.0, or apply patches released by the vendor to address the vulnerability.