CVE-2021-44216 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Northern.tech CFEngine Enterprise before 3.15.5 and 3.18.x before 3.18.1 has Insecure Permissions that may allow unauthorized local users to access the Apache and Mission Portal log files.

Understanding CVE-2021-44216

Northern.tech CFEngine Enterprise is affected by a vulnerability related to insecure permissions that could enable unauthorized local users to access critical log files.

What is CVE-2021-44216?

This CVE refers to a security issue in CFEngine Enterprise versions prior to 3.15.5 and 3.18.1, potentially granting unauthorized local users access to Apache and Mission Portal log files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-44216

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure and tampering of sensitive log data, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of system information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-44216

Northern.tech CFEngine Enterprise's vulnerability is described in detail below:

Vulnerability Description

Vulnerability Type: Insecure Permissions
Affected Versions: CFEngine Enterprise before 3.15.5 and 3.18.x before 3.18.1
Attack Vector: Local unauthorized access to log files

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems: Northern.tech CFEngine Enterprise
Versions: Pre-3.15.5 and pre-3.18.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows local unauthorized users to read potentially sensitive log files, such as those related to Apache and Mission Portal, leading to unauthorized access and potential data leakage.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-44216, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest patched version of CFEngine Enterprise.
Restrict access to log files to authorized users only.
Monitor log file access for unusual or unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege for file access permissions.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities in CFEngine Enterprise.