CVE-2021-38165 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-38165, a critical vulnerability in Lynx through 2.8.9 that exposes cleartext credentials via SNI data. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
Lynx through 2.8.9 mishandles the userinfo subcomponent of a URI, which allows remote attackers to discover cleartext credentials because they may appear in SNI data.
Understanding CVE-2021-38165
This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in Lynx that could potentially lead to the exposure of sensitive information.
What is CVE-2021-38165?
CVE-2021-38165 involves the mishandling of the userinfo subcomponent of a URI in Lynx, enabling attackers to uncover cleartext credentials present in SNI data.
The Impact of CVE-2021-38165
The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it can result in the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including passwords, to malicious actors.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-38165
This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Lynx through version 2.8.9 arises from improper handling of the userinfo subcomponent in a URI, potentially exposing plaintext credentials.
Affected Systems and Versions
All systems running Lynx versions up to and including 2.8.9 are vulnerable to this security issue.
Exploitation Mechanism
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the userinfo subcomponent of a URI to access and expose cleartext credentials embedded in SNI data.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-38165, immediate actions need to be taken to secure systems and prevent exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update Lynx to a fixed version where the vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, avoiding the use of Lynx in untrusted environments can help mitigate risks.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating software components can enhance overall system security and reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Regularly checking for security updates and promptly applying patches released by the vendor is crucial to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.