CVE-2021-43989 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-43989 on mySCADA myPRO versions <= 8.20.0 storing passwords with MD5 encryption. Learn about the mitigation steps and necessary upgrades to prevent potential password hash cracking.
A vulnerability in mySCADA myPRO versions 8.20.0 and prior could lead to password hash cracking due to the use of weak encryption methods.
Understanding CVE-2021-43989
The vulnerability in mySCADA myPRO could allow attackers to crack password hashes due to storing passwords using insecure MD5 encryption.
What is CVE-2021-43989?
This CVE pertains to mySCADA myPRO versions 8.20.0 and earlier, which utilize MD5 for password storage, exposing them to potential exploitation.
The Impact of CVE-2021-43989
The vulnerability poses a high severity risk with a CVSS base score of 7.5, impacting confidentiality by allowing attackers to potentially retrieve and crack password hashes.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-43989
The technical aspects of the mySCADA myPRO vulnerability are crucial to understanding this CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from mySCADA myPRO storing passwords using MD5, which is susceptible to brute-force attacks, enabling threat actors to compromise user credentials.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: myPRO
- Vendor: mySCADA
- Versions Affected: All versions <= 8.20.0
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the weak MD5 encryption method to potentially crack password hashes and gain unauthorized access to systems.
Mitigation and Prevention
Effective mitigation strategies are necessary to secure systems from the risks associated with CVE-2021-43989.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade to mySCADA myPRO Version 8.22.0 or above to mitigate the vulnerability
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement robust password hashing algorithms such as SHA-256 or higher
- Regularly update and patch systems to address security vulnerabilities
- Educate users on creating strong and unique passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication to enhance account security
Patching and Updates
It is crucial to apply the recommended upgrade to mySCADA myPRO Version 8.22.0 or higher to address the vulnerability and improve overall system security.