CVE-2021-42291 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-42291, a high severity Active Directory Domain Services Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability affecting Windows Server. Find mitigation steps and necessary patches to secure your systems.
Active Directory Domain Services Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability affecting multiple Microsoft Windows Server versions.
Understanding CVE-2021-42291
What is CVE-2021-42291?
Active Directory Domain Services Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability allows attackers to elevate privileges on affected systems.
The Impact of CVE-2021-42291
The vulnerability has a base severity of HIGH (CVSS score: 7.5) and can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-42291
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in Active Directory Domain Services, enabling unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2022
- Windows Server version 2004
- Windows Server version 20H2
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2008 series
- Windows Server 2012 series
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious users to gain unauthorized access and control over Windows Server systems.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the security patch provided by Microsoft immediately.
- Implement least privilege access policies.
- Monitor system logs for any signs of unauthorized access.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch systems to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security training for staff to recognize and report suspicious activities.
- Use firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems to monitor network traffic.
- Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance security.
Patching and Updates
Apply the latest security updates and patches from Microsoft to mitigate the CVE-2021-42291 vulnerability.