CVE-2021-3754 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting RedHat's Keycloak and Single Sign-On products. This vulnerability allows an attacker to register with a username identical to the email ID of any existing user. The consequence is that legitimate users may face difficulties in receiving password recovery emails if they forget their passwords, potentially leading to unauthorized access or account lockout.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability stands at 5.3, indicating a medium level of severity. The attack vector is classified as network-based, with low complexity and no required privileges or user interaction. The availability impact is rated as low, emphasizing that while the exploit may not directly compromise data integrity or confidentiality, it can significantly disrupt user access.
Organizations using Keycloak or related components must prioritize remediation due to the potential risks associated with username conflicts. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to operational disruptions and security incidents.
As of the latest information, there are no known exploits publicly available; however, the capability for exploitation exists, necessitating immediate attention from security teams.
Vulnerability Details
The flaw in Keycloak arises from a failure to properly validate usernames against existing email addresses. This oversight can allow an attacker to create a new account that mirrors an existing user's email ID, complicating the password recovery process.
The vulnerability was officially published on August 26, 2022, and it has been classified with a CWE-20 weakness related to improper input validation.
Affected products include Keycloak and the RedHat Single Sign-On component version 7.0. The vulnerability status is marked as modified, indicating ongoing concerns and updates in the security landscape.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-3754 is related to inadequate checks during the user registration process in Keycloak. Attackers can exploit this flaw via the network, using low complexity methods without requiring any privileges or user interaction.
Given the configuration of the system and the nature of the vulnerability, the impact on availability is considered low. The attacker is primarily able to disrupt the normal password recovery process for legitimate users, which can lead to frustration and potential security issues if users are unable to regain access.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes operational disruptions caused by users being unable to recover their passwords, which could lead to unauthorized access attempts or account lockouts. The potential for a large blast radius exists, especially in environments where Keycloak is widely used for authentication.
The urgency for remediation is classified as medium, aligning with the CVSS score. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks effectively.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include all versions of Keycloak and RedHat Single Sign-On 7.0 prior to a vendor patch. Organizations should assess their usage and promptly apply the necessary updates.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching Keycloak to address this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds such as monitoring user registrations for anomalies or limiting username patterns. Configuration hardening and network controls can also mitigate risks.
For further assistance, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for unusual user registration activities, especially registrations that mimic existing email addresses. Behavioral anomalies in user access patterns should also be flagged for further review.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-3754 highlights the importance of robust user input validation mechanisms in identity management systems. This vulnerability not only serves as a reminder of the potential for user enumeration attacks but also illustrates the critical need for comprehensive security assessments. Organizations should regularly evaluate their security posture through initiatives like penetration testing methodology to ensure defenses are up to date.
This case also emphasizes the significance of continuous monitoring and quick response capabilities in the event of a detected anomaly. Engaging in vulnerability management programs can help organizations stay ahead of potential threats.
In conclusion, the lessons learned from CVE-2021-3754 serve as a strategic reminder for security teams to enhance their defensive strategies and validate their security measures against evolving threats. Regularly reviewing and updating security practices can significantly mitigate risks associated with identity management.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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