CVE-2021-38965 : What You Need to Know

IBM FileNet Content Manager versions 5.5.4, 5.5.6, and 5.5.7 have been identified with a vulnerability that could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system. This CVE was published on January 14, 2022, by IBM.

Understanding CVE-2021-38965

This section will provide an overview of the CVE-2021-38965 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-38965?

The vulnerability in IBM FileNet Content Manager versions 5.5.4, 5.5.6, and 5.5.7 could be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker to run arbitrary commands on the affected system. This could lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38965

With a CVSS base score of 6.3 (Medium severity), this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized command execution by malicious actors. If successfully exploited, it could result in severe data breaches or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38965

Let's delve into the specifics of the CVE-2021-38965 vulnerability, including the description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system by sending a specially crafted request to an affected version of IBM FileNet Content Manager.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM FileNet Content Manager versions 5.5.4, 5.5.6, and 5.5.7 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious requests to the affected versions of the IBM FileNet Content Manager, gaining unauthorized access to run arbitrary commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the impact of the CVE-2021-38965 vulnerability, organizations must take immediate steps to secure their systems and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to the latest version of IBM FileNet Content Manager that contains the security patches addressing this vulnerability.
Implement network security measures to restrict unauthorized access to FileNet Content Manager.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update security configurations for FileNet Content Manager.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by IBM for FileNet Content Manager to ensure the latest security measures are in place.