CVE-2021-21601 in Data Protection Search
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2021
Dell EMC Data Protection Search, 19.4 and prior, and IDPA, 2.6.1 and prior, contain an Information Exposure in Log File Vulnerability in CIS. A local low privileged attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to the disclosure of certain user credentials. The attacker may be able to use the exposed credentials to access the vulnerable application with the privileges of the compromised account.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-21601 affects Dell EMC Data Protection Search versions 19.4 and earlier, as well as IDPA versions 2.6.1 and earlier, specifically within the CIS component of these systems. This represents a critical information exposure flaw that arises from improper handling of log files containing sensitive user credentials. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to adequately sanitize or restrict access to log files that may contain authentication tokens, passwords, or other credential information. Such exposure creates a significant security risk for organizations relying on these data protection solutions, as the log files may be accessible to unauthorized users with local system access. The flaw exists in the logging mechanism where sensitive information is written to files without proper access controls or encryption, potentially exposing authentication details to any local user who can read these files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the CIS component's logging subsystem which fails to properly secure credential information during the logging process. When users authenticate to the system, their credentials or session tokens may be written to log files in plain text format without adequate protection measures. This creates a scenario where a local attacker with minimal privileges can access these log files and extract sensitive authentication data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for privilege escalation through credential reuse, enabling attackers to gain access to the application with the privileges of the compromised user account. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in data protection and access control implementation, where sensitive information is not properly handled according to security best practices. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 as "Information Exposure" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers Valid Accounts for maintaining persistence and accessing systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the data protection infrastructure. Once credentials are extracted from log files, attackers can potentially access sensitive data repositories, modify backup configurations, or escalate privileges within the system. This creates a cascading security risk where a single compromised account can provide access to larger portions of the organization's data protection environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where data protection systems contain critical backup and recovery information. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, potential data loss, or disruption of backup operations. The exposure of credentials through log files also violates security principles outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 controls that require proper handling of sensitive information and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a foothold that can be used for further exploitation, making it a significant concern for security operations teams responsible for protecting enterprise data assets. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of proper log file access controls, and regular monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system files.