CVE-2021-31879 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting GNU Wget through version 1.21.1. This vulnerability allows for the leakage of the Authorization header during redirects to different origins, potentially exposing sensitive credentials. Such issues can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches, making it essential for organizations to address this vulnerability promptly.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. The implications of this vulnerability are significant, as attackers may exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability to mitigate the associated risks.
Currently, there are no known exploits or public proofs of concept for this vulnerability, which indicates a lower immediate risk. However, given the potential impact, it is advisable for organizations using affected versions of Wget to take preemptive measures.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The urgency to remediate this vulnerability cannot be overstated, as the implications of an exploit could lead to significant data exposure.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2021-31879, is described as follows: GNU Wget through 1.21.1 does not omit the Authorization header upon a redirect to a different origin, a related issue to CVE-2018-1000007. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-601, indicating the risk of open redirect.
The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 6.1, which reflects its medium severity. The metrics indicate that the attack vector is network-based, and it requires user interaction to exploit. Although it has low attack complexity and does not require authentication, the potential impacts on confidentiality and integrity are classified as low.
Affected products include GNU Wget, Brocade Fabric Operating System Firmware, and NetApp Cloud Backup. The vulnerability was published on April 29, 2021.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-31879 lies in the way GNU Wget handles redirects. When a redirect occurs, Wget fails to omit the Authorization header, which can lead to sensitive information being sent to unintended recipients. This flaw can be exploited over a network and requires user interaction to initiate the redirect.
The attack complexity is low, meaning that an attacker could exploit this vulnerability with minimal effort. Additionally, it does not require high privileges, making it accessible to a broader range of potential attackers.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality and integrity of the information may be compromised, although the availability remains unaffected. Organizations must be vigilant about this vulnerability, as it exposes them to the risk of unauthorized access.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information due to the exposure of the Authorization header during redirects. This risk is particularly concerning for organizations that utilize Wget for automated downloads or scripts that interact with APIs requiring authentication.
Given the medium severity and the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should assess their use of affected versions of Wget. The urgency for remediation should be classified as medium, and organizations are advised to schedule patching as a priority within their maintenance cycles.
The blast radius of this vulnerability can be significant, especially in environments where Wget is widely used for downloading content from various origins. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to data breaches and loss of sensitive information.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The versions affected by this vulnerability include all versions of GNU Wget prior to 1.21.1. Organizations using Wget should review their deployments and ensure they are using a patched version to avoid potential exploitation.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-31879, organizations should upgrade to the latest version of GNU Wget that addresses this vulnerability. For those unable to upgrade immediately, it is crucial to implement network controls that limit the use of Wget for sensitive operations. Moreover, monitoring should be enhanced to detect any unauthorized access attempts.
Organizations should validate remediation through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, particularly during redirect operations. Behavioral anomalies such as unauthorized access attempts should be flagged for investigation. Additionally, network signatures can be established to identify unauthorized use of Wget.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-31879 lies in its demonstration of how seemingly minor issues, such as header management during redirects, can expose organizations to significant risks. This vulnerability highlights the necessity for security teams to implement comprehensive security testing and monitoring strategies.
Organizations are encouraged to adopt a proactive security stance by regularly reviewing and updating their security measures. The importance of thorough penetration testing cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
For further insights on vulnerability management, consider exploring our vulnerability management program design and best practices.
Additionally, understanding the implications of different types of vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining security. For a deeper dive, our penetration testing methodology guide provides valuable insights.
Finally, organizations should establish a culture of security awareness among their teams. Engaging in security champion networks can foster a proactive approach to identifying and addressing security concerns.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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