CVE-2021-36784 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A privilege escalation vulnerability in SUSE Rancher allows users with the restricted-admin role to escalate to full admin. This impacts Rancher versions prior to 2.5.13 and 2.6.4.

Understanding CVE-2021-36784

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in SUSE Rancher that permits restricted-admin users to gain full admin privileges.

What is CVE-2021-36784?

The CVE-2021-36784 vulnerability in SUSE Rancher enables users with restricted-admin roles to escalate their permissions to full admin, compromising system security.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36784

With this privilege escalation vulnerability in SUSE Rancher, unauthorized users could gain elevated access, potentially leading to unauthorized system control and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36784

The technical details of CVE-2021-36784 highlight the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The improper privilege management vulnerability in SUSE Rancher allows users with restricted-admin roles to escalate their privileges to full admin, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

SUSE Rancher versions prior to 2.5.13 and 2.6.4 are affected by CVE-2021-36784, exposing systems running these versions to potential privilege escalation attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by users with restricted-admin roles to gain admin access, bypassing intended permission restrictions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-36784, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate risks and prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should consider restricting access to vulnerable versions, reviewing user permissions, and implementing security patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforcing the principle of least privilege, conducting regular security audits, and educating users on secure practices can enhance long-term security against such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating SUSE Rancher to versions 2.5.13 and 2.6.4 or higher can help patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized privilege escalation attempts.