CVE-2021-29221 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-29221, an Erlang/OTP vulnerability allowing local attackers to escalate privileges on Windows systems. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures.
A local privilege escalation vulnerability was discovered in Erlang/OTP prior to version 23.2.3. This vulnerability could allow a local attacker to hijack accounts or execute arbitrary code, particularly on Windows systems with specific conditions and unsafe filesystem permissions.
Understanding CVE-2021-29221
This CVE details a local privilege escalation issue in Erlang/OTP, affecting versions prior to 23.2.3.
What is CVE-2021-29221?
CVE-2021-29221 is a vulnerability in Erlang/OTP that enables a local attacker to exploit unsafe filesystem permissions on Windows to gain escalated privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2021-29221
The impact could lead to unauthorized hijacking of user accounts or the execution of arbitrary code by coercing services to run with escalated privileges.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-29221
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to add files to an Erlang/OTP installation directory, potentially hijacking user accounts or executing arbitrary code.
Affected Systems and Versions
Erlang/OTP versions prior to 23.2.3 are affected by this privilege escalation vulnerability, especially when running on Windows platforms.
Exploitation Mechanism
The exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through adding files to a specific directory in Erlang/OTP installations under specific conditions on Windows.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-29221, immediate steps and long-term security practices are essential.
Immediate Steps to Take
Ensure Erlang/OTP is updated to version 23.2.3 or higher. Review and adjust filesystem permissions to prevent unauthorized access.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor and update Erlang/OTP installations, enforce the principle of least privilege, and conduct security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Apply patches and updates provided by Erlang Project to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance system security.