CVE-2021-34546 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-34546, a vulnerability in NetSetMan Pro before version 5.0 that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands as SYSTEM, risking system compromise.
A detailed overview of CVE-2021-34546, addressing the vulnerability in NetSetMan Pro that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands as SYSTEM.
Understanding CVE-2021-34546
This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-34546.
What is CVE-2021-34546?
The vulnerability in NetSetMan Pro before version 5.0 enables an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to a computer to drop to an administrative shell and execute arbitrary commands as SYSTEM via a specific feature.
The Impact of CVE-2021-34546
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected system, potentially resulting in critical data breaches and system compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-34546
Explore the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the method of exploitation.
Vulnerability Description
Attackers can leverage the pre-logon profile switch button within the Windows logon screen to trigger the vulnerability and execute commands as SYSTEM via the "save log to file" feature.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects NetSetMan Pro versions before 5.0 running on systems with the pre-logon profile switch button enabled within the Windows logon screen.
Exploitation Mechanism
By navigating to cmd.exe on a vulnerable system, an unauthenticated attacker with physical access can exploit this vulnerability to gain SYSTEM-level privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn about the immediate steps to take and long-term security practices to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-34546.
Immediate Steps to Take
Disable the pre-logon profile switch button within the Windows logon screen and restrict physical access to vulnerable systems to prevent exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement robust access controls, conduct regular security audits, and educate users on secure computing practices to enhance overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Ensure all systems are updated to NetSetMan Pro version 5.0 or later to patch the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.