CVE-2021-34475 is a medium-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based). With a CVSS score of 5.4, this vulnerability could be exploited through a network attack, requiring user interaction to trigger it. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, which emphasizes the need for immediate remediation.
The vulnerability was published on July 1, 2023, and categorized under the CWE classification with no specific identifiers. As of now, there is no known public exploit, but the potential for exploitation exists if not addressed. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
This vulnerability allows attackers to gain elevated privileges within the Edge browser, which can lead to further exploitation of the underlying system. The urgency for defenders is critical as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to compromise user systems.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations are advised to address it in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks and safeguard their systems.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2021-34475 pertains to an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based). The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 5.4, indicating a medium severity level. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to user data, which is a significant risk for organizations relying on this browser for secure operations.
The specific product affected is Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based), and the vulnerability was disclosed on July 1, 2023. The vulnerability impacts all versions of Edge Chromium prior to version 91.0.864.59, and it is crucial for users to ensure they are operating an updated version to mitigate exposure.
The vulnerability is characterized by low attack complexity and requires no privileges to exploit, but does require user interaction. This further emphasizes the need for organizations to educate their users about potential risks and to implement appropriate security measures.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-34475 is a flaw in the way Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) handles user interactions. This flaw allows an attacker to execute unauthorized commands, leading to an elevation of privileges. The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring an attacker to craft a malicious web page that exploits the flaw.
The attack complexity is considered low, as the vulnerability can be exploited without special conditions or significant effort from the attacker. The required privileges to exploit this vulnerability are none, but user interaction is necessary, making it essential for users to remain cautious while browsing.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality and integrity of user data could be compromised, while the availability remains unaffected. Therefore, organizations should implement measures to educate users about safe browsing practices and potential phishing attacks that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk for CVE-2021-34475 is significant due to the widespread use of Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) among organizations. The potential blast radius includes all users of the affected versions, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems across various organizational levels.
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of data breaches and unauthorized actions taken within the browser, which can have severe implications for data privacy and compliance. Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize patching this vulnerability based on its CVSS score and potential impact.
Considering the CVSS score of 5.4, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency for organizations to remediate this vulnerability is high, as failure to do so could result in significant security incidents.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) versions prior to 91.0.864.59 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they are using the latest version to mitigate exposure.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2021-34475, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Microsoft. For those unable to update immediately, implementing strict network controls to limit exposure is recommended. Organizations can also consider using penetration testing to assess their security posture and identify any potential weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect any attempts to exploit CVE-2021-34475, organizations should monitor logs for unusual activity related to Microsoft Edge. This includes checking for unauthorized access attempts, unusual user behavior, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious requests that may indicate an exploitation attempt.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-34475 reflects a broader trend in web browser vulnerabilities, particularly within Chromium-based platforms. Security teams should note that as browsers evolve, so do the vulnerabilities associated with them. This highlights the importance of ongoing security assessments and updates.
Organizations should adopt a proactive approach to application security, ensuring that they are not only patching known vulnerabilities but also engaging in comprehensive security assessments. Additionally, organizations can benefit from resources such as penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design to enhance their security posture.
Ultimately, the strategic defensive takeaway from CVE-2021-34475 is to prioritize user education and awareness, as user interaction plays a critical role in the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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