CVE-2021-40849 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in Mahara versions before 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, and 21.10.0 that allows unauthorized access and potential information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-40849

This section provides an overview of the security vulnerability identified in Mahara.

What is CVE-2021-40849?

CVE-2021-40849 indicates a security flaw in Mahara versions prior to 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, and 21.10.0 where exploitation of a web services token can lead to unauthorized access and subsequent information leakage.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40849

The vulnerability allows attackers to access user accounts associated with web services tokens, potentially resulting in information disclosure and privilege escalation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40849

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability in Mahara.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Mahara versions before 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, and 21.10.0 permits unauthorized access via the exploitation of web services tokens, facilitating information disclosure and potential privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Mahara
Affected Versions: <ul><li>Before 20.04.5</li><li>Before 20.10.3</li><li>Before 21.04.2</li><li>Before 21.10.0</li></ul>

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation and handling of web services tokens in Mahara, enabling unauthorized users to log in and gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to address this vulnerability in Mahara.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mahara to versions 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, or 21.10.0 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor accounts for unauthorized access or suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Regularly audit and review access controls within Mahara.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by Mahara.
Apply patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.