CVE-2021-38456 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-38456, a vulnerability found in Moxa MXview Network Management Software that could allow unauthorized access due to a hardcoded password.

Understanding CVE-2021-38456

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the CVE-2021-38456 vulnerability in the MXview Network Management Software by Moxa.

What is CVE-2021-38456?

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38456 pertains to a hardcoded password flaw in Moxa's MXview Network Management Software versions 3.x to 3.2.2. This weakness may enable malicious actors to gain entry using default passwords.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38456

With a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical), the potential ramifications of this vulnerability are severe. It can lead to high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, making it crucial to address promptly.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38456

This section will outline the technical details surrounding CVE-2021-38456, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability results from the use of hardcoded passwords in Moxa MXview Network Management Software versions 3.x to 3.2.2, enabling unauthorized access through default credentials.

Affected Systems and Versions

MXview Network Management Software versions 3.x to 3.2.2 by Moxa are specifically impacted by this vulnerability due to the presence of hardcoded passwords.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the hardcoded passwords present in the affected versions, potentially gaining unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will explore the recommended steps to mitigate the CVE-2021-38456 vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to MXview software package version 3.2.4 or higher as a crucial first step. Additionally, regular password changes, firewall usage, and proper network configurations are recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance long-term security, users should implement stringent password policies, firewall rules, and access control measures across their network infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying patches and updates provided by Moxa is essential to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-38456 effectively.