Learn about CVE-2021-22137, a vulnerability in Elasticsearch versions before 7.11.2 and 6.8.15 that exposes sensitive information, impacting security. Find out how to mitigate the risk.
A document disclosure flaw was identified in Elasticsearch versions before 7.11.2 and 6.8.15, impacting users utilizing Document or Field Level Security. This vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Understanding CVE-2021-22137
This section will cover the key details of CVE-2021-22137, including its impact and technical aspects.
What is CVE-2021-22137?
CVE-2021-22137 is a vulnerability in Elasticsearch that exposes sensitive information to unauthorized actors by not properly preserving security permissions during certain search queries.
The Impact of CVE-2021-22137
The flaw could enable attackers to discover the existence of documents they are not authorized to view, potentially providing access to confidential indices.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-22137
Here, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability that affects Elasticsearch users.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises when search queries fail to maintain security permissions, leading to unauthorized disclosure of documents.
Affected Systems and Versions
Elasticsearch versions before 7.11.2 and 6.8.15 are susceptible to this document disclosure flaw, particularly when Document or Field Level Security features are active.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by executing specific cross-cluster search queries to reveal restricted document information.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the steps necessary to address and reduce the risks associated with CVE-2021-22137.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should consider immediate actions to mitigate the vulnerability, such as applying security patches and updates provided by Elastic.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing robust security practices, including regular security audits and permissions reviews, can enhance the overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Remaining vigilant on security updates released by Elastic is crucial in safeguarding Elasticsearch deployments against known vulnerabilities.