CVE-2021-37942 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A local privilege escalation vulnerability was discovered in the APM Java agent, allowing an attacker to execute code at a higher privilege level than authorized. This article delves into the impact of CVE-2021-37942, its technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2021-37942

This section provides insights into the critical details of the APM Java Agent Local Privilege Escalation vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-37942?

The CVE-2021-37942 vulnerability involves a local privilege escalation issue in the Elastic APM Java Agent. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute malicious code at a higher privilege level than intended.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37942

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to gain escalated privileges on the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the affected application.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37942

In this section, we delve into the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-37942 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a user to attach a malicious plugin to an application utilizing the APM Java Agent, enabling them to execute code with elevated permissions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Elastic APM Java Agent versions prior to 1.27.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, with version 1.18.0 specifically being vulnerable.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with low-level privileges on the system can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious code at a higher privilege level than intended.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigation strategies are crucial to safeguard systems from CVE-2021-37942. Implement the following measures to enhance your security posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Elastic APM Java Agent to version 1.27.0 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict plugin attachment capabilities to prevent unauthorized code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly assess and update your software components to address potential vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user permissions and minimize attack surfaces.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Elastic and promptly apply patches and updates to eliminate known vulnerabilities.