CVE-2021-37940 : What You Need to Know

A server-side request forgery vulnerability was discovered in the Workplace Search Github Enterprise Server integration, allowing a malicious admin to access non-public hosts.

Understanding CVE-2021-37940

This CVE involves an information disclosure vulnerability that affects Elasticsearch's Workplace Search prior to version 7.16.0.

What is CVE-2021-37940?

The vulnerability allows a malicious Workplace Search admin to exploit the Github Enterprise Server integration to access hosts that are not publicly accessible.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37940

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information residing on internal hosts, potentially leading to data breaches and privacy violations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37940

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a server-side request forgery issue within the Workplace Search Github Enterprise Server integration, enabling unauthorized access to non-public hosts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Enterprisesearch versions before 7.16.0 are affected by this CVE, exposing them to information disclosure risks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging this vulnerability, a malicious admin of Workplace Search can manipulate the GHES integration to view hosts that should be restricted.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-37940, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Elasticsearch's Workplace Search to version 7.16.0 or later to address this vulnerability.
Restrict access permissions for Workplace Search administrators.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to minimize exposure of critical internal systems.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Elastic and promptly apply relevant patches to secure your Workplace Search deployment.