CVE-2021-37937 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A security issue has been identified in Elasticsearch that could allow a compromised Fleet-Server service account to escalate privileges. This can lead to unauthorized access and potential misuse of the system. Here is a detailed overview of CVE-2021-37937.

Understanding CVE-2021-37937

The vulnerability in Elasticsearch, tracked as CVE-2021-37937, pertains to how API keys are created using the Fleet-Server service account. It allows for the potential creation of API keys with higher privileges than intended, enabling a compromised account to escalate its privileges.

What is CVE-2021-37937?

The CVE-2021-37937 vulnerability revolves around the improper creation of API keys with the Fleet-Server service account in Elasticsearch. These keys could end up with elevated privileges, allowing unauthorized access and potential abuse.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37937

If exploited, CVE-2021-37937 can enable a compromised Fleet-Server service account to elevate its privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access and misuse of the Elasticsearch system. This can result in a significant security breach and data compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37937

The following details shed light on the technical aspects of CVE-2021-37937:

Vulnerability Description

An issue concerning the creation of API keys with the Fleet-Server service account in Elasticsearch could lead to the generation of keys with elevated privileges, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Elasticsearch versions prior to 7.14.0 are affected by this privilege escalation vulnerability. Specifically, version 7.13.0 is impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves leveraging the improper creation of API keys with the Fleet-Server service account to gain unauthorized access and escalate privileges within Elasticsearch.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-37937, the following preventive measures are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Elasticsearch to version 7.14.0 or newer to address the vulnerability.
Monitor API key creation and ensure they are generated with appropriate privileges.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and audit API key configurations and permissions within Elasticsearch.
Implement least privilege access controls to restrict unnecessary privileges.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Elasticsearch.
Promptly apply updates to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.