CVE-2021-40331 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-40331, a vulnerability impacting Apache Ranger Hive Plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-40331

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-40331 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-40331?

CVE-2021-40331 is an Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource vulnerability discovered in the Apache Ranger Hive Plugin. It allows any user with SELECT privilege on a database to alter the ownership of a table in Hive when the plugin is enabled.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40331

The vulnerability affects Apache Ranger Hive Plugin versions 2.0.0 through 2.3.0. Users are advised to upgrade to version 2.4.0 or later to mitigate this issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40331

This section provides technical insights into CVE-2021-40331.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource) and is rated as critical.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Apache Ranger Hive Plugin
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Affected Versions: 2.0.0 through 2.3.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows users with SELECT privilege on a database to modify table ownership in Hive when Apache Ranger Hive Plugin is active.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to address CVE-2021-40331.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Apache Ranger Hive Plugin to version 2.4.0 or higher.
Restrict user privileges to minimize the impact of unauthorized ownership modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update access control policies.
Conduct security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for the Apache Ranger Hive Plugin to ensure ongoing protection.