CVE-2021-41189 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

DSpace is an open source turnkey repository application. In version 7.0, any community or collection administrator can escalate their permission up to become system administrator. This vulnerability only exists in version 7.0 and does not impact 6.x or below. The issue is patched in version 7.1. As a workaround, users of 7.0 may temporarily disable the ability for community or collection administrators to manage permissions or workflows settings.

Understanding CVE-2021-41189

What is CVE-2021-41189?

CVE-2021-41189 is a vulnerability in DSpace where communities and collections administrators can escalate their privilege to become system administrators in version 7.0.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41189

This vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.2, marking it as a high severity issue with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack complexity is low, and privileges required are high.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41189

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows community or collection administrators to elevate their permissions to system administrator in version 7.0 of DSpace.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: DSpace
Vendor: DSpace
Versions affected: >= 7.0, < 7.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through a network attack vector with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to DSpace version 7.1 which includes the patch for this vulnerability.
Temporarily disable the ability for community or collection administrators to manage permissions or workflows settings in version 7.0.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and apply security updates provided by DSpace.
Educate administrators on secure permission management practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure to apply patches and updates released by DSpace to mitigate the vulnerability.