CVE-2021-41277 is a critical vulnerability found in Metabase, an open-source data analytics platform. This vulnerability allows potential local file inclusion through the custom GeoJSON map feature in the application settings. Specifically, URLs were not validated before being loaded, creating a security loophole that could be exploited by attackers. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 10, indicating it poses a significant risk to organizations.
Organizations using affected versions of Metabase should prioritize remediation to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access to sensitive files, including environment variables. The vulnerability was disclosed on November 17, 2021, and has been acknowledged as a high-profile issue, highlighting the importance of addressing it swiftly.
To date, this vulnerability is recognized under the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, meaning that it has been identified for potential exploitation in the wild. Organizations are encouraged to either upgrade to the patched versions (0.40.5, 1.40.5, or later) or implement mitigations as outlined by the vendor to secure their installations.
The urgency of patching is critical, as failure to do so could lead to severe consequences. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access, leading to potential data breaches or other malicious activities.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question allows for local file inclusion through the custom GeoJSON map feature in Metabase. This is particularly concerning as it could enable attackers to read sensitive files, leading to information disclosure. The details of the CVSS score indicate a low attack complexity, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability without requiring advanced skills or extensive resources.
The CVE was published on November 17, 2021, and is classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-200 (Information Exposure). This CVE reflects a severe risk that organizations must take seriously.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of user input for URLs within the custom GeoJSON map feature. Attackers can exploit this weakness to include local files, thereby accessing sensitive data. The attack vector is through the network, with low complexity, and requires no privileges or user interaction, amplifying the risk significantly.
The confidentiality impact is rated as high since unauthorized access to sensitive files can occur, while integrity and availability impacts are also noteworthy. Organizations must understand the implications of this vulnerability and take necessary precautions to protect their data.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment risk associated with CVE-2021-41277 is substantial, given the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive files. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability may expose themselves to data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage. The blast radius is significant due to the critical nature of the vulnerability, affecting all versions prior to the patch.
With an EPS score in the 99.9th percentile, the urgency for organizations to act is paramount. This indicates a high likelihood of exploitation in the wild, necessitating immediate action to secure vulnerable installations.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of Metabase are affected by this vulnerability: 0.40.0 to 0.40.4 and 1.40.0 to 1.40.4. Organizations should upgrade to versions 0.40.5 or 1.40.5, or any subsequent release to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to secure their Metabase installations. If an upgrade is not feasible, implementing rules in your reverse proxy or load balancer can help mitigate risks by providing a validation filter. For detailed guidance on remediation, organizations can refer to the vendor's instructions.
Additionally, organizations can leverage penetration testing to evaluate their defenses against such vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for unusual access patterns and logging interactions with the custom GeoJSON map feature will assist in detecting potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also be aware of behavioral anomalies and ensure proper logging is in place for forensic analysis.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-41277 represents a critical issue that highlights the importance of secure coding practices, especially in open-source platforms. This vulnerability is a reminder for security teams to continuously assess and improve application security measures. Organizations should implement regular security assessments and follow secure development lifecycle practices.
For further insights on enhancing application security, organizations can refer to our penetration testing methodology and our guide on vulnerability management programs to mitigate such risks.
Lastly, organizations should be aware of emerging threats and consider leveraging API security testing as part of their overall security strategy.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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