CVE-2021-40858 : Security Advisory and Response

Auerswald COMpact 5500R devices before 8.2B are vulnerable to Arbitrary File Disclosure, allowing a sub-admin to access the Admin password in cleartext.

Understanding CVE-2021-40858

This CVE involves a security issue in Auerswald COMpact 5500R devices that can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

What is CVE-2021-40858?

The vulnerability in Auerswald COMpact 5500R devices before 8.2B enables a sub-admin to retrieve the Admin password in plaintext through a specific file manipulation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40858

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows unauthorized access to critical credentials, compromising the security of the device and potentially leading to further exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40858

This section covers specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in Auerswald COMpact 5500R devices allows an attacker with sub-admin privileges to extract the cleartext Admin password by exploiting a particular file path manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Auerswald COMpact 5500R
Vulnerable Versions: Before 8.2B

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the 'fileName' parameter to access sensitive system files like '/etc/passwd', leading to the disclosure of the Admin password.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires specific actions and security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by Auerswald for the affected devices.
Implement strong access control measures to restrict unauthorized access to critical system files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit system logs for any unusual activities indicating unauthorized access.
Train system administrators on secure configuration practices and the importance of file permissions.

Patching and Updates

Promptly apply all security patches and firmware updates released by Auerswald to remediate the vulnerability.