CVE-2021-3116 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the details of CVE-2021-3116, a vulnerability in proxy.py before 2.3.1 allowing an attacker to provide incorrect Proxy-Authorization header data. Learn about its impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in the AuthPlugin module of proxy.py before version 2.3.1 could allow an attacker to provide incorrect Proxy-Authorization header data due to a boolean confusion issue.
Understanding CVE-2021-3116
This CVE describes a flaw in the authentication process of proxy.py that could lead to the acceptance of malformed Proxy-Authorization header data.
What is CVE-2021-3116?
The before_upstream_connection function in AuthPlugin in http/proxy/auth.py in proxy.py before 2.3.1 mishandles the Proxy-Authorization header, allowing incorrect data due to a Boolean confusion issue.
The Impact of CVE-2021-3116
An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms, leading to unauthorized access or other security risks for systems using affected versions of proxy.py.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-3116
This section provides more details on the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from a boolean confusion within the authentication process, enabling incorrect Proxy-Authorization header data to be accepted.
Affected Systems and Versions
All versions of proxy.py prior to 2.3.1 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
By providing specially crafted Proxy-Authorization header data, an attacker can trick the system into accepting unauthorized requests.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-3116, it is crucial to take immediate action and implement long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Update proxy.py to version 2.3.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Review and validate Proxy-Authorization header data for authenticity.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor and update authentication mechanisms. Conduct security audits to identify and remediate similar issues proactively.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates for proxy.py and promptly apply patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.