CVE-2021-36339 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides insights into CVE-2021-36339, a vulnerability found in Dell EMC Virtual Appliances before version 9.2.2.2 posing a risk of unauthorized access.

Understanding CVE-2021-36339

CVE-2021-36339 is a security flaw identified in the Dell EMC Virtual Appliances that could allow a local malicious user to obtain privileged access to the virtual appliance.

What is CVE-2021-36339?

The Dell EMC Virtual Appliances version prior to 9.2.2.2 is impacted by an issue involving undisclosed user accounts. This weakness could be exploited by an attacker with local access to gain unauthorized privileges on the appliance.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36339

With a CVSS base score of 7.8, this vulnerability is classified as high severity. It poses a significant risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive information and compromise system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36339

In this section, we delve into the specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-36339.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Dell EMC Virtual Appliances allows local attackers to leverage undocumented user accounts to elevate their privileges and potentially gain unauthorized access to the virtual appliance.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Dell's Solutions Enabler vApp versions lower than 9.2.2.2, where the presence of undisclosed user accounts creates a security loophole.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with local access can exploit this vulnerability by utilizing the undocumented user accounts to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to the virtual appliance.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here we outline steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-36339.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Dell EMC Virtual Appliances to version 9.2.2.2 or above to eliminate the presence of the undocumented user accounts and prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, regular security audits, and monitoring user account activities can enhance security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches provided by Dell and staying informed about security advisories can help in protecting systems from known vulnerabilities.