CVE-2021-41100 : What You Need to Know

Wire-server is the backing server for the open-source Wire secure messaging application. In affected versions, an attacker could trigger an email address change using a short-lived session token, leading to a privilege escalation attack.

Understanding CVE-2021-41100

What is CVE-2021-41100?

CVE-2021-41100 highlights a vulnerability in Wire-server that allows an attacker to change a user's email address with access to a short-lived session token.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41100

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in an account takeover by an attacker, compromising user data and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41100

Vulnerability Description

Unauthorized users can alter email addresses using short-lived tokens meant for authentication, leading to privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: wire-server
Vendor: wireapp
Versions affected: Earlier than 2021-08-16

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: High
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
Attack Impact: High severity affecting confidentiality and integrity

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update wire-server to version 2021-08-16 or later to implement new security measures.
Employ secure long-lived client cookies in conjunction with the

Authorization

header.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement user authentication and authorization mechanisms to mitigate privilege escalation risks.
Regularly audit and monitor access controls to prevent unauthorized actions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and promptly apply patches to mitigate known vulnerabilities.