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CVE-2021-3531 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Learn about CVE-2021-3531, a vulnerability in Red Hat Ceph Storage RGW versions before 14.2.21 that can lead to a denial of service attack. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

A flaw was discovered in the Red Hat Ceph Storage RGW before version 14.2.21, potentially leading to a denial of service attack. The vulnerability is registered in the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-20).

Understanding CVE-2021-3531

This CVE pertains to a vulnerability found in Red Hat Ceph Storage RGW versions prior to 14.2.21, allowing for a denial of service attack when processing a specific type of GET request.

What is CVE-2021-3531?

CVE-2021-3531 is a flaw identified in Red Hat Ceph Storage RGW that can be exploited by sending a GET request for a swift URL ending with two slashes, leading to a system crash and subsequent denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3531

The greatest risk associated with CVE-2021-3531 is the potential denial of service, affecting the availability of the system. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt services and operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3531

This section outlines the technical aspects of the CVE, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Red Hat Ceph Storage RGW versions prior to 14.2.21 arises when processing a specific GET request for a swift URL ending with two slashes. This flaw can lead to a system crash, resulting in a denial of service situation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Ceph, specifically version 14.2.21. Systems running Red Hat Ceph Storage RGW versions before 14.2.21 are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-3531 involves sending a malicious GET request for a swift URL ending with two slashes. This action triggers a system crash in Red Hat Ceph Storage RGW, potentially causing a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-3531, including immediate actions and long-term preventive measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update affected systems to version 14.2.21 or later to address the vulnerability. Organizations should also monitor and restrict GET requests for URLs ending with two slashes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices such as regular system updates, network monitoring, and access control measures can help enhance overall cybersecurity posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Red Hat, Ceph, and other relevant vendors to promptly apply patches and fixes to ensure the security of your systems.

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