CVE-2021-21307 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Lucee Server, a dynamic, Java-based tag and scripting language used for rapid web application development. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote code exploit in Lucee Admin versions prior to 5.3.7.47, 5.3.6.68, or 5.3.5.96. Organizations utilizing affected versions are at significant risk, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.6, indicating a high level of severity. Given the potential impact of remote code execution, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The urgency for remediation is underscored by the nature of the vulnerability, which does not require authentication or user interaction to exploit.
The vulnerability was published on February 11, 2021, and the remediation was provided in subsequent versions of Lucee Server. In addition to applying the patch, organizations can temporarily mitigate the risk by blocking access to the Lucee Administrator.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and manipulation of web applications, potentially leading to data breaches or service disruptions. The exploitability of this vulnerability has been assessed as critical, emphasizing the need for swift action.
Vulnerability Details
The Lucee Server vulnerability (CVE-2021-21307) is characterized as an unauthenticated remote code execution issue, classified under CWE-862. The vulnerability exists in the Lucee Admin interface in versions prior to the patched releases. The official CVE description notes that it allows for unauthorized remote code execution due to improper access controls.
The vulnerability is assigned a CVSS version 3.1 score of 8.6, indicating a high severity level, primarily due to its potential for significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, with low attack complexity and no privileges or user interaction required.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-21307 lies in the Lucee Administrator's failure to correctly enforce access controls, allowing unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability via a network attack vector, where they send specially crafted requests to the Lucee Server.
The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any special conditions or privileges. Furthermore, no user interaction is needed for the exploitation process. The impacts of a successful attack can result in high integrity loss, as attackers may alter system behavior or data.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using vulnerable versions of Lucee Server face significant risks, as this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, system compromise, and potential data breaches. The blast radius is extensive, given the widespread deployment of Lucee Server in web applications. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability is high, given the critical CVSS score and current exploitability status.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of Lucee Server are those prior to 5.3.7.47, 5.3.6.68, and 5.3.5.96. Organizations should update to these versions or later to ensure they are protected against this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-21307, organizations should prioritize applying the available patches for Lucee Server. The recommended versions to upgrade to are 5.3.7.47, 5.3.6.68, or 5.3.5.96. If immediate patching is not feasible, as a temporary workaround, organizations can block access to the Lucee Administrator interface.
For comprehensive security, organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as network controls and monitoring recommendations to detect any unusual behavior within their applications.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor log indicators for any unauthorized access attempts to the Lucee Administrator. Behavioral anomalies associated with unexpected code execution should be flagged for further investigation. Additionally, network signatures that match known exploitation patterns should be established to enhance detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-21307 highlights the importance of regular updates and proactive vulnerability management. This incident underscores the need for organizations to maintain an ongoing security posture that includes timely patching and rigorous testing. Security teams should learn from such vulnerabilities to strengthen their defenses against emerging threats.
Organizations are encouraged to assess their vulnerability management programs, ensuring they are robust enough to handle similar threats. For further guidance on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the recommended practices outlined in our vulnerability management program. Furthermore, implementing effective penetration testing strategies can significantly mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities.
For organizations using cloud technologies, it is advisable to review cloud security assessments to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their applications. Staying informed about the latest trends in security can provide organizations with the necessary insights to protect their assets effectively.
Organizations should also consider utilizing continuous penetration testing to maintain a proactive stance against potential threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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