CVE-2021-40843 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-40843 affecting Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies to secure your systems.
Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server contains an unsafe deserialization vulnerability in the Web Console that allows arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability affects all versions prior to 7.11.2.
Understanding CVE-2021-40843
Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server's Web Console is vulnerable to unsafe deserialization, leading to arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges when triggered by a Web Console user. If exploited with a SQL injection flaw, it could be triggered remotely via crafted URLs.
What is CVE-2021-40843?
The vulnerability in Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server's Web Console allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting an unsafe deserialization issue.
The Impact of CVE-2021-40843
This vulnerability could result in an attacker executing arbitrary code on the server with SYSTEM privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-40843
Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server's vulnerability has the following technical details:
Vulnerability Description
- Unsafe deserialization vulnerability in the Web Console
- Allows arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges
- Triggered by Web Console user retrieval of data
Affected Systems and Versions
- All versions prior to 7.11.2 are affected
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attacker with write access to database triggers code execution via Web Console
- When combined with SQL injection flaw, remote exploitation is possible
Mitigation and Prevention
It is essential to take immediate actions to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-40843:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server to version 7.11.2 or later
- Monitor server activities for any suspicious behavior
- Implement strict access controls to limit exposure
Long-Term Security Practices
- Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Train staff on identifying and reporting security issues
Patching and Updates
- Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by Proofpoint