CVE-2021-1658 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 01/13/2021
Remote Procedure Call Runtime Remote Code Execution Vulnerability This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2021-1660, CVE-2021-1664, CVE-2021-1666, CVE-2021-1667, CVE-2021-1671, CVE-2021-1673, CVE-2021-1700, CVE-2021-1701.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2024
The CVE-2021-1658 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) runtime component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the RPC runtime library that facilitates communication between different processes and systems, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise Windows environments. The flaw exists in the way the RPC runtime handles certain input validation processes, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers without requiring authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because RPC is a fundamental Windows service that enables distributed computing scenarios, making it a critical component for enterprise network operations.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2021-1658 occurs through a buffer overrun condition within the RPC runtime library where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to overwrite memory regions. This memory corruption vulnerability stems from improper handling of serialized data structures passed through RPC calls, specifically when processing certain RPC protocol messages. Attackers can craft malicious RPC requests that trigger the buffer overflow, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service account. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which aligns with common remote code execution patterns observed in Windows kernel and runtime components. This flaw demonstrates the classic characteristics of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited over network connections without requiring user interaction or authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1658 extends significantly across enterprise environments where Windows RPC services are actively utilized. Organizations running Windows Server versions including Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2019 are particularly at risk as these systems typically expose RPC services to facilitate enterprise communication. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially leading to complete compromise of affected networks. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework places it within the execution and privilege escalation domains, specifically mapping to techniques involving remote service execution and code injection. Organizations with exposed RPC endpoints or those using legacy Windows versions face the highest risk of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1658 require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches as the primary defense mechanism. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows systems, particularly those hosting RPC services or acting as RPC clients. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict RPC traffic to only necessary systems, reducing the attack surface. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary RPC services, implementing robust monitoring for anomalous RPC traffic patterns, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify unpatched systems. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting RPC services. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how fundamental system components like RPC runtime can become critical attack vectors when not properly maintained. Organizations should also review their RPC service configurations to ensure minimal exposure and implement principle of least privilege controls for RPC service accounts.