CVE-2021-43216 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Understanding CVE-2021-43216

This CVE involves an Information Disclosure vulnerability in the Microsoft Local Security Authority (LSA) Server.

What is CVE-2021-43216?

CVE-2021-43216 is an Information Disclosure vulnerability affecting the Microsoft Local Security Authority (LSA) Server.

The Impact of CVE-2021-43216

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.5 (Medium severity). If exploited, it could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-43216

This section covers specific technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Vulnerability Type: Information Disclosure
Affected Component: Microsoft Local Security Authority (LSA) Server

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Microsoft products are affected by CVE-2021-43216:

Windows 10 Version 1809
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
Windows 10 Version 1909
Windows 10 Version 21H1
Windows Server 2022
Windows 10 Version 2004
Windows Server version 2004
Windows 10 Version 20H2
Windows Server version 20H2
Windows 11 version 21H2
Windows 10 Version 21H2
Windows 10 Version 1507
Windows 10 Version 1607
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)
Windows 7
Windows 7 Service Pack 1
Windows 8.1
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Outlined below are steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-43216.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security patch provided by Microsoft.
Monitor and restrict network traffic to affected systems.
Implement the principle of least privilege for system access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update systems with the latest security patches.
Conduct security awareness training for employees to recognize phishing attempts.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the security patch released by Microsoft.