CVE-2021-35232 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the SolarWinds Web Help Desk product. This vulnerability allows attackers with local access to the Web Help Desk host machine to execute arbitrary HQL queries against the database. The presence of hard coded credentials within the application exacerbates the risk, enabling potential attackers to steal user password hashes or insert arbitrary data into the database.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.8, indicating a medium level of severity. Organizations using affected versions should be aware of the implications of this vulnerability, particularly the high confidentiality impact associated with unauthorized data access. The exploitability status is currently assessed as medium, highlighting the need for timely remediation.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The presence of hard coded credentials is a serious security concern and could lead to further vulnerabilities if not addressed promptly. The urgency for defenders is amplified by the potential for data theft and unauthorized access.
For this vulnerability, there are no known public exploits reported, and it is not currently listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, organizations should remain vigilant and ensure proper security measures are in place.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2021-35232 vulnerability is categorized under CWE-798, which refers to the use of hard coded credentials. The vulnerability was published on December 27, 2021, and affects all versions of SolarWinds Web Help Desk prior to the vendor's patch. The attack vector is local, meaning physical or network access is required to exploit this vulnerability.
The vulnerability has a CVSS vector string of CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N, signifying that it requires low attack complexity and does not require user interaction. The confidentiality impact is high, indicating a significant potential for data exposure.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the hard coded credentials that are embedded within the SolarWinds Web Help Desk product. These credentials can be exploited by an attacker with local access to the host machine, allowing them to execute arbitrary HQL queries against the database.
The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have physical access to the system or be able to access it through the local network. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any advanced skills or techniques to exploit this vulnerability.
No special privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous. Additionally, the attack does not require user interaction, further increasing the risk. The confidentiality impact is classified as high, indicating that sensitive information could be accessed, while the integrity impact is low, as the attacker can insert arbitrary data but the availability impact remains unaffected.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive user data, as the vulnerability allows attackers to steal password hashes. The potential for data breaches is significant, particularly for organizations that rely on the SolarWinds Web Help Desk for managing support requests and sensitive information.
The blast radius for this vulnerability is concerning, as any attacker with local access can exploit the flaw and gain access to the database. This could lead to further exploitation and compromise of other systems within the organization. Organizations should assess the potential impact based on their specific configurations and user data.
Given the CVSS score of 6.8, organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability in their patch cycle. The urgency for remediation is medium, but organizations should remain proactive in their security posture to prevent potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected version of SolarWinds Web Help Desk includes all versions prior to 12.7.7. Organizations should ensure they have upgraded to this version or later to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the necessary patches as soon as possible. Ensure to upgrade to SolarWinds Web Help Desk version 12.7.7 or later. In the absence of immediate patch availability, consider restricting local access to affected systems and implementing strong network controls.
Monitoring for unusual database activity and implementing security best practices for credential management are also recommended. Further, organizations may benefit from conducting a thorough security assessment, such as a penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access attempts, particularly those targeting the Web Help Desk application. Behavioral anomalies such as unexpected database queries should also be flagged.
Network signatures indicating suspicious activity related to database access can provide additional detection capabilities. Regular audits of user accounts and access permissions can help ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive systems.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability illustrates the critical need for organizations to regularly review and manage hard coded credentials within their applications. As vulnerabilities related to hard coded credentials remain prevalent, security teams must implement strategies to identify and remediate such weaknesses proactively.
The ongoing trend of credential-related vulnerabilities highlights the importance of employing secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments. Organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and invest in comprehensive security training for their development teams.
For further guidance on securing applications, organizations can refer to the following resources: vulnerability management program, penetration testing methodology, and cloud security assessment guides.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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