CVE-2021-38950 : What You Need to Know

IBM MQ on HPE NonStop 8.0.4 and 8.1.0 is vulnerable to a privilege escalation attack when SharedBindingsUserId is set to effective. This vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.4, indicating a high severity level.

Understanding CVE-2021-38950

This section will provide insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-38950.

What is CVE-2021-38950?

CVE-2021-38950 pertains to a privilege escalation vulnerability in IBM MQ for HPE NonStop versions 8.0.4 and 8.1.0. Attackers can exploit this issue when SharedBindingsUserId is configured to effective, leading to unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38950

The vulnerability poses a high risk as it allows attackers to escalate privileges on affected systems, potentially resulting in the compromise of sensitive data and disruption of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38950

Let's delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

IBM MQ on HPE NonStop 8.0.4 and 8.1.0 is susceptible to a privilege escalation attack due to misconfiguration of SharedBindingsUserId, enabling unauthorized privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The versions impacted by CVE-2021-38950 include IBM MQ for HPE NonStop versions 8.0.4 and 8.1.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the SharedBindingsUserId setting to elevate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-38950 effectively, organizations should implement immediate remediation steps and establish long-term security practices to mitigate similar risks in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations are advised to apply official fixes provided by IBM to remediate the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, reviewing and adjusting SharedBindingsUserId configurations can help prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security configurations, conducting regular security assessments, and ensuring timely software updates are essential for enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor security bulletins from IBM and apply recommended patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security of IBM MQ for HPE NonStop instances.