CVE-2021-3116 is a high-severity vulnerability discovered in proxy.py prior to version 2.3.1. It originates from a flaw in the before_upstream_connection function within the AuthPlugin of the http/proxy/auth.py module. This vulnerability allows the software to accept incorrect Proxy-Authorization header data due to a boolean confusion between 'and' and 'or' operations.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 7.5. This score indicates a considerable risk, particularly because it can be exploited over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. Organizations utilizing affected versions of proxy.py should prioritize remediation actions to mitigate potential risks.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and integrity violations, as attackers may exploit this vulnerability to manipulate or alter data. Given the nature of this flaw, organizations must act promptly to protect their systems from potential exploitation.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The patch for this vulnerability has been made available in version 2.3.1 of proxy.py.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows for incorrect Proxy-Authorization header data processing due to a boolean confusion. The CVSS score of 7.5 reflects the high severity of the issue, indicating a significant risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected products include all versions of proxy.py prior to 2.3.1. The vulnerability was published on January 11, 2021, and is classified under CWE-697.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-3116 lies in the handling of Proxy-Authorization header data. The boolean confusion allows for incorrect data acceptance, which could lead to unauthorized access or data manipulation. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity, meaning that attackers can exploit this vulnerability without advanced skills.
No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is not needed. The vulnerability impacts integrity, allowing attackers to potentially alter data without detection.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2021-3116 is considerable, especially for organizations that depend on proxy.py for handling network requests. The impact could manifest as unauthorized data access or modification, leading to significant operational disruptions.
The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that this vulnerability should be addressed in the priority patch cycle. The lack of known exploitation increases the importance of swift remediation before potential attackers discover and exploit the vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of proxy.py prior to 2.3.1 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to this version or later to mitigate associated risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to version 2.3.1 of proxy.py or later. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing additional network controls to limit exposure and monitor for any unusual activity that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
Further, organizations should conduct a thorough review of their logging mechanisms to ensure that any anomalies related to Proxy-Authorization requests are captured and investigated.
For a comprehensive security posture, organizations may also consider engaging in penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual Proxy-Authorization header values and track changes to the AuthPlugin module. Additionally, reviewing failed authentication attempts may provide indicators of exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-3116 highlights the importance of robust authentication mechanisms and the need for thorough code reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. The presence of multiple public proofs of concept suggests that while exploitation is not currently widespread, there is potential for increased activity if the vulnerability remains unpatched.
Organizations should leverage this incident to reinforce their security practices by ensuring secure coding standards are followed and that regular security assessments are conducted. For further insights on penetration testing methodologies, organizations can refer to penetration testing methodology and best practices.
In conclusion, CVE-2021-3116 serves as a reminder of the evolving threat landscape, emphasizing the necessity for continuous monitoring and proactive vulnerability management. Organizations should stay abreast of new vulnerabilities and apply patches promptly to safeguard their systems.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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