CVE-2021-20019 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in SonicOS could allow an unauthorized actor to gain access to sensitive information through a crafted HTTP request, potentially leading to internal data disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-20019

This CVE identifies a security flaw in SonicOS that could be exploited by attackers to leak partial memory and access sensitive data on affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-20019?

SonicOS is impacted by a vulnerability that allows malicious actors to send a specially crafted HTTP request, resulting in the exposure of partial memory and the potential disclosure of sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20019

The vulnerability in SonicOS versions allows attackers to access sensitive data, which could be detrimental to organizations using affected systems. It poses a risk of internal data exposure and potentially compromising the confidentiality of critical information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20019

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in SonicOS stems from its HTTP server response leaking partial memory when triggered by a specially crafted HTTP request. This flaw could be exploited by threat actors to obtain sensitive data stored within the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

SonicOS versions affected by this vulnerability include:

SonicOS - 6.5.4.7-83n
SonicOSv - 6.5.4.4-44v-21-955
SonicOS - 6.5.1.12-3n
SonicOS - 6.0.5.3-94o
SonicOS - 7.0.0-R713 and earlier
SonicOS - 7.0.1-R1036 and earlier
SonicOS - 7.0.0.375 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending a tailored HTTP request to the vulnerable SonicOS servers, attackers can trigger the memory leak and extract sensitive data, potentially leading to a breach of confidentiality.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we outline the immediate steps to take to address the CVE, as well as long-term security practices to enhance overall system protection.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using affected SonicOS versions should apply security patches provided by SonicWall promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate an exploitation attempt of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch SonicOS systems to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks targeting SonicOS.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from SonicWall and apply updates as soon as they are available to mitigate the risk of exploitation.