CVE-2021-40454 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE article provides details about the Rich Text Edit Control Information Disclosure Vulnerability affecting various Microsoft products.

Understanding CVE-2021-40454

CVE-2021-40454 is an Information Disclosure vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Windows, Windows Server, Microsoft Office, and other Microsoft products.

What is CVE-2021-40454?

The vulnerability, Rich Text Edit Control Information Disclosure, allows unauthorized disclosure of information on the affected systems, potentially leading to security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40454

The vulnerability has a base severity of MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.5. It can be exploited under specific conditions, impacting confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40454

This section covers the technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information on the affected systems through a Rich Text Edit Control.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows 10 Version 1809, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation), Windows 10 Version 1909, Windows 10 Version 21H1, Windows Server 2022, Windows 10 Version 2004, etc.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation involves leveraging the vulnerability in the Rich Text Edit Control to extract sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-40454.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly.
Implement access controls to limit exposure to the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update systems with the latest security patches.
Conduct security training to raise awareness about information security.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released security updates to address the vulnerability. Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest patches.