CVE-2021-4041 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-4041, a vulnerability found in ansible-runner due to improper escaping of shell commands.

Understanding CVE-2021-4041

This section explores what CVE-2021-4041 is and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-4041?

CVE-2021-4041 is a vulnerability in ansible-runner that allows parameters to be executed as host's shell commands, leading to code being unintentionally executed on the host.

The Impact of CVE-2021-4041

The vulnerability can result in code execution on the host machine rather than in the intended virtual environment, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-4041

Delve into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in ansible-runner occurs during the execution of the ansible_runner.interface.run_command function, allowing parameters to be executed as shell commands on the host.

Affected Systems and Versions

ansible-runner versions prior to 2.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability, highlighting the importance of timely updates.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from improper shell command escaping, enabling an attacker to run malicious code on the host machine.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-4041 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update ansible-runner to version 2.1.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices and regularly update software to maintain a robust security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for ansible-runner to address any known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.