CVE-2023-35181 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

SolarWinds Access Rights Manager Incorrect Default Permissions Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability was published on October 19, 2023. The vulnerability relates to incorrect folder permissions, enabling privilege escalation for users.

Understanding CVE-2023-35181

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-35181, shedding light on its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-35181?

The SolarWinds Access Rights Manager vulnerability allows users to exploit incorrect folder permissions to elevate their privileges on affected systems, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-35181

The vulnerability, categorized under CAPEC-233 Privilege Escalation, holds a CVSS base score of 7.8 out of 10, signifying a high-severity issue. It affects SolarWinds Access Rights Manager versions prior to 2023.2.0.73, necessitating immediate action to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-35181

Understanding the technical aspects of the vulnerability is crucial for effective remediation and prevention.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from incorrect default permissions in SolarWinds Access Rights Manager, enabling malicious actors to escalate their privileges locally.

Affected Systems and Versions

SolarWinds Access Rights Manager versions prior to 2023.2.0.73 are susceptible to this privilege escalation vulnerability, potentially impacting system integrity and confidentiality.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the inadequate folder permissions, threat actors can manipulate access rights within the system to gain unauthorized privileges, compromising data confidentiality and system integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-35181 requires a proactive approach to enhance system security and protect against potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

All SolarWinds Access Rights Manager users are urged to upgrade to version 2023.2.1 immediately to patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices, such as regular security updates, access controls, and least privilege principles, can fortify systems against future vulnerabilities and cyber threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor security advisories from SolarWinds and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of SolarWinds Access Rights Manager.