CVE-2021-37938 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-37938, a security vulnerability in Kibana versions 7.9.0 through 7.15.1 on Windows systems. Learn about the exploitation mechanism and mitigation steps.
A security vulnerability (CVE-2021-37938) has been discovered in Kibana versions 7.9.0 through 7.15.1, affecting Windows operating systems. This vulnerability could allow a malicious user to traverse the Kibana host and access internal files with the .pbf extension.
Understanding CVE-2021-37938
This section will provide insights into the nature of the CVE-2021-37938 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-37938?
The CVE-2021-37938 vulnerability in Kibana on Windows systems allows unauthorized users to load internal files ending in the .pbf extension by bypassing path validation.
The Impact of CVE-2021-37938
The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables malicious actors to access sensitive internal files on the Kibana host, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure or system compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-37938
This section will outline the technical aspects of CVE-2021-37938.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from Kibana's failure to properly validate user-supplied paths, facilitating the loading of .pbf files by attackers to traverse the host.
Affected Systems and Versions
Kibana versions 7.9.0 through 7.15.1 running on Windows operating systems are affected by CVE-2021-37938.
Exploitation Mechanism
Malicious users can exploit this vulnerability by providing a specific path that allows them to access internal files with the .pbf extension on the Kibana host.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-37938, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their Kibana installations to version 7.15.2 or later, where the security vulnerability has been remediated.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing rigorous access controls, regular security audits, and promoting security awareness among users can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying software patches and staying informed about security advisories from Elastic can help mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-37938.