CVE-2021-36290 : What You Need to Know

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-36290, a privilege escalation vulnerability in Dell VNX2 for File versions prior to 8.1.21.303 and 5.33.021.5.303 (block).

Understanding CVE-2021-36290

CVE-2021-36290 is a high-severity vulnerability impacting Dell VNX2 for File versions, allowing a local malicious admin to exploit and gain escalated privileges.

What is CVE-2021-36290?

The vulnerability in Dell VNX2 for File versions prior to 8.1.21.303 and 5.33.021.5.303 (block) enables a local user to elevate their privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36290

With a CVSS base score of 6.4 (Medium severity), this vulnerability poses a high risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. Successful exploitation could result in critical resource compromise and unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36290

The technical description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism of CVE-2021-36290 are outlined below.

Vulnerability Description

Dell VNX2 for File versions earlier than 8.1.21.303 and 5.33.021.5.303 (block) contain a privilege escalation flaw that can be leveraged by a local malicious admin to gain higher privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Dell VNX2 for File versions less than 8.1.21.303 and 5.33.021.5.303 (block).

Exploitation Mechanism

A local attacker with admin privileges can exploit this vulnerability to escalate their permissions and potentially execute unauthorized commands, leading to system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the recommended steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-36290.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement the security update provided by Dell to remediate the privilege escalation vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce the principle of least privilege to restrict user capabilities and access rights.
Regularly monitor and audit user activities to detect and prevent unauthorized actions.

Patching and Updates

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