CVE-2021-27101 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability affecting Accellion FTA versions 9_12_370 and earlier. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted Host header in a request to document_root.html. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical severity level, which highlights the urgency for organizations to address this issue immediately.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, which can lead to data breaches or further exploitation. As this vulnerability can be exploited over the network with low complexity and no required privileges, organizations must prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there is no confirmed public exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is classified as a high-profile vulnerability and is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that it has been targeted in the wild. The urgency for defenders is high, and organizations should ensure that they update to version FTA_9_12_380 or later.
In summary, organizations using affected versions of Accellion FTA should take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with this critical vulnerability by applying the necessary updates.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is characterized as a SQL injection flaw, affecting Accellion FTA versions 9_12_370 and earlier. The CVSS 3.1 score is 9.8, indicating critical severity with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
The affected products include the Accellion FTA, and the fixed version is FTA_9_12_380 and later. The vulnerability was first published on February 16, 2021, and has been classified under CWE-89.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation of the Host header, which allows for SQL injection. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is low, meaning that even low-skilled attackers can exploit this vulnerability without user interaction.
No privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous. In terms of impact, the confidentiality, integrity, and availability could all be compromised, leading to severe consequences for organizations that do not address this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using affected versions of Accellion FTA are at significant risk due to the ease of exploitation and the potential impact of a successful attack. The blast radius could include unauthorized access to sensitive data, which can lead to compliance violations and reputational damage.
Given the critical nature of this vulnerability and its inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts in their patch management cycles. The urgency is classified as critical, necessitating immediate action to protect against potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | Yes |
Affected Versions
All versions of Accellion FTA prior to version 9_12_380 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they upgrade to the fixed version to mitigate the risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the vendor's recommended updates to remediate this vulnerability. Upgrade to Accellion FTA version 9_12_380 or later. If patching is not immediately possible, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to the affected components.
For ongoing security, organizations should implement continuous penetration testing and security assessments to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively. Regular configuration reviews and monitoring for behavioral anomalies can also mitigate risks.
Continuous penetration testing should be a part of the security strategy to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for unusual query patterns that may indicate SQL injection attempts. Behavioral anomalies such as unexpected database access patterns should also be flagged and investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The exploitation of CVE-2021-27101 highlights the ongoing need for organizations to stay vigilant against SQL injection vulnerabilities. As attackers increasingly leverage such vulnerabilities in ransomware campaigns, security teams must prioritize proactive measures.
Security teams should continuously evaluate their application security measures and ensure that they align with industry best practices. Understanding the patterns and trends in vulnerability exploitation can inform better defensive strategies.
Designing an effective vulnerability management program is crucial for mitigating risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-27101.
Implementing a comprehensive penetration testing methodology can also help identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Additionally, following best practices for API security testing is essential in the current threat landscape.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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