CVE-2021-36031 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Magento Commerce versions 2.4.2, 2.4.2-p1, and 2.3.7 are affected by a Path Traversal vulnerability that could lead to remote code execution. This CVE was published on August 10, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2021-36031

This CVE highlights a critical Path Traversal vulnerability in Magento Commerce, potentially enabling attackers to execute remote code by exploiting the

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parameter.

What is CVE-2021-36031?

CVE-2021-36031 refers to a security flaw in Magento Commerce versions 2.4.2, 2.4.2-p1, and 2.3.7 that allows threat actors with admin privileges to achieve remote code execution through a Path Traversal attack.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36031

The impact of this CVE is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 7.2. The vulnerability's low attack complexity and high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts make it a significant threat.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36031

This section explores the specific technical details associated with CVE-2021-36031.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a Path Traversal exploit via the

theme[preview_image]

parameter in Magento Commerce, allowing an attacker to execute remote code when leveraging admin privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Magento Commerce versions 2.4.2, 2.4.2-p1, and 2.3.7 are confirmed to be affected by this CVE. Custom versions might also be vulnerable based on the patch level.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors exploit the

theme[preview_image]

parameter to bypass directory restrictions, enabling the execution of unauthorized code remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure your systems from CVE-2021-36031, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Magento Commerce to the latest patched version to block the Path Traversal vulnerability.
Restrict admin privileges to minimize the risk of unauthorized code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits to monitor and address vulnerabilities promptly.
Educate users on best practices to prevent social engineering attacks that could exploit admin privileges.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by Adobe for Magento Commerce and apply them promptly to address known vulnerabilities.