CVE-2021-43038 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue was discovered in Kaseya Unitrends Backup Appliance allowing privilege escalation through PostgreSQL trigger functions.

Understanding CVE-2021-43038

This CVE describes a vulnerability in Kaseya Unitrends Backup Appliance that could lead to unauthorized command execution and privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2021-43038?

The vulnerability in Kaseya Unitrends Backup Appliance before version 10.5.5 allows the wguest account to execute commands by injecting into PostgreSQL trigger functions, enabling privilege escalation from the wguest user to the postgres user.

The Impact of CVE-2021-43038

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to gain elevated privileges within the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-43038

This section covers the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue allows the wguest account to inject commands into PostgreSQL trigger functions, bypassing security restrictions and escalating privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Affected Versions: All versions before 10.5.5

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious commands into PostgreSQL trigger functions, exploiting the lack of proper input validation.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-43038.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Kaseya Unitrends Backup Appliance to version 10.5.5 or newer.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that may indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software components to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement principle of least privilege to limit the potential impact of privilege escalation attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Kaseya promptly to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.