CVE-2021-21482 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management, specifically in versions 710 and 710.750. This vulnerability allows a malicious unauthorized user with access to the MDM Server subnet to find the password using a brute force method. If successful, the attacker could obtain access to highly sensitive data and MDM administrative privileges, leading to an information disclosure vulnerability. This risk significantly affects the confidentiality and integrity of the application.
The vulnerability is categorized with a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.3, indicating a high severity level. This score reflects various factors, including the attack vector as adjacent network, low attack complexity, and no privileges required for exploitation. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential administrative control over MDM installations, which can lead to significant operational and reputational damage. Given the nature of the vulnerability and the ease of exploitation, organizations using the affected versions should take immediate action.
Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild for this vulnerability, but the potential for brute force attacks necessitates immediate attention from security teams. Organizations are encouraged to review their security guidelines and ensure that administrative accounts have been thoroughly secured.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2021-21482 states that it allows unauthorized users to exploit weaknesses in SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management installations. The vulnerability specifically affects versions 710 and 710.750. The impact of this vulnerability can lead to information disclosure, affecting the confidentiality and integrity of the application.
The vulnerability is classified under the CWE category, although specific classification details are not provided. The initial publication date was April 13, 2021, and the status is currently marked as modified.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-21482 lies in inadequate security guidelines concerning administrative accounts. This oversight allows attackers to leverage weak password policies through brute force methods, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, indicating that an attacker must be on the same network segment as the vulnerable server. The attack complexity is low, as the attacker does not require any privileges or user interaction to initiate the brute force attack.
The confidentiality and integrity impacts are both high, meaning that successful exploitation can lead to significant data exposure and unauthorized changes. The availability impact is low, indicating that the attack does not necessarily disrupt service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management must recognize the real-world risks associated with CVE-2021-21482. The potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data could lead to severe operational impacts, including data breaches and loss of customer trust.
The urgency for remediation based on the CVSS score indicates that organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in attackers leveraging brute force techniques to gain unauthorized access, thereby exposing sensitive data and administrative controls.
In terms of potential blast radius, the vulnerability affects not only the organization’s data but also impacts customer trust and regulatory compliance if sensitive information is exposed. Therefore, the associated risks are substantial and warrant swift action.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of SAP NetWeaver Master Data Management include 710 and 710.750. Organizations running these versions should evaluate their systems for potential exposure and take appropriate action.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize applying patches and updates provided by SAP to remediate this vulnerability. Regularly reviewing and updating security guidelines for administrative accounts is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. If patches are not immediately available, consider implementing workarounds such as disabling administrative access from the MDM Server subnet.
For additional security, implement configuration hardening practices to reduce attack vectors and monitor network traffic for unusual activities. Organizations may also benefit from engaging in penetration testing to ensure comprehensive security measures.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for failed login attempts and unusual access patterns. Behavioral anomalies in administrative account activities may also indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
Network signatures that identify brute force attacks against administrative accounts should be implemented to enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, any unauthorized changes to sensitive data or configurations should be promptly investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-21482 highlights the importance of securing administrative access in systems handling sensitive data. With the increasing sophistication of attackers, vulnerabilities like this one underscore the need for organizations to adopt robust security practices.
This vulnerability represents a trend of exploiting weak security configurations, emphasizing the need for organizations to regularly assess their security posture. Security teams should take this opportunity to review existing practices and implement necessary improvements.
A strategic defensive takeaway is to foster a culture of security awareness within organizations, ensuring that all employees understand the importance of maintaining secure administrative practices. Continuous education and training can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.
For further insights on security measures, organizations may refer to the following resources: penetration testing methodology, vulnerability management program design, and security testing best practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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