CVE-2021-39196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

pcapture is an open source dumpcap web service interface. In affected versions, this vulnerability allows an authenticated but unprivileged user to use the REST API to capture and download packets with no capture filter and without adequate permissions. The importance lies in the fact that capture filters can limit the information scope visible in data captures. Without a filter, all data on the local network segment where the program runs can be captured and downloaded. Upgrading to v3.12 or higher is necessary as there is no workaround.

Understanding CVE-2021-39196

This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of the CVE.

What is CVE-2021-39196?

CVE-2021-39196 refers to a vulnerability in pcapture where authenticated users with low privileges can access unfiltered data through the REST API, potentially leading to a breach of confidentiality.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39196

The vulnerability carries a CVSS base score of 7.7, indicating a high severity issue with high impact on confidentiality. The attack complexity is low, and no user interaction is needed.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39196

This section dives into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows authenticated but unprivileged users to capture and download packets without adequate permissions or capture filters, risking exposure of sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: pcapture
Vendor: jdhwpgmbca
Versions affected: < 3.12

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated user with low privileges by utilizing the REST API.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are steps to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade pcapture to version 3.12 or higher to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce strong authentication mechanisms to control access levels.
Regularly monitor network traffic for any unusual activities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for and apply updates provided by the vendor jdhwpgmbca to ensure the security of pcapture.