CVE-2021-36781 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-36781 highlighting the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2021-36781

The vulnerability in the parsec package of openSUSE Factory, known as CVE-2021-36781, poses security risks leading to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks or exploitation by imposters pretending to be the service.

What is CVE-2021-36781?

CVE-2021-36781 is an Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in openSUSE Factory parsec versions prior to 0.8.1-1.1, allowing local attackers to mimic the service, potentially causing DoS incidents or enabling interaction with malicious entities.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36781

With a CVSS base score of 5.9 (Medium Severity), this vulnerability presents a low attack complexity and vector, affecting availability, confidentiality, and integrity. The exploit can occur locally without requiring any special privileges, highlighting the importance of prompt mitigation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36781

The technical aspects include vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2021-36781 arises due to dangerous 777 permissions for /run/parsec, paving the way for unauthorized system interaction and service impersonation, thereby jeopardizing system integrity.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts openSUSE Factory parsec versions below 0.8.1-1.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Local attackers can exploit this flaw by imitating the parsec service, leading to potential DoS attacks and unauthorized interactions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the immediate steps to take, adopting long-term security practices, and ensuring timely patching and updates are crucial to safeguard systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should restrict access to vulnerable services, review and modify permissions, and monitor system activities for unusual behavior to mitigate risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing the principle of least privilege, conducting regular security audits, and enforcing strong access controls can enhance system resilience against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

The vendor, openSUSE, has addressed this vulnerability in parsec versions beyond 0.8.1-1.1. It is crucial for users to promptly apply patches and updates to secure their systems against potential exploits.