CVE-2021-22496 in Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Authentication Bypass Vulnerability in Micro Focus Access Manager Product, affects all version prior to version 4.5.3.3. The vulnerability could cause information leakage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2021
The CVE-2021-22496 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the Micro Focus Access Manager product line, impacting all versions prior to 4.5.3.3. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of authentication tokens and session management mechanisms within the access control framework. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to bypass the intended authentication checks and gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core security functionality of the product, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive information without proper authorization. The issue manifests when the system fails to properly verify the authenticity of user credentials or session tokens during the authentication process, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to protected resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves weaknesses in the product's session management and token validation logic. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specific requests that circumvent the normal authentication flow, effectively allowing them to access restricted areas of the application or system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it can lead to information leakage through the bypassed authentication mechanisms. This occurs because the system's access controls are not properly enforced, allowing attackers to retrieve data that should be restricted to authorized users only. The flaw is classified under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication issues, making it a direct violation of fundamental security principles. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers Valid Accounts and T1566 which covers Phishing, as the bypass can be achieved through various attack vectors including credential theft or session hijacking.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-22496 is severe and multifaceted, potentially affecting organizations that rely on Micro Focus Access Manager for their security infrastructure. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the nature of the protected information. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise if attackers can leverage the bypass to access administrative functions or sensitive databases. Additionally, the information leakage aspect poses significant risks to data confidentiality and integrity, as attackers can access information that should remain protected. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the product's security architecture, requiring immediate remediation to prevent potential exploitation. Organizations using affected versions face increased risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to the exposure of sensitive information through the authentication bypass mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22496 focus primarily on upgrading to the patched version 4.5.3.3 or later, which addresses the underlying authentication bypass issue through improved session management and token validation. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while applying the necessary patches. Security teams must conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected product within their infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts. Additional defensive measures include implementing enhanced monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns and unusual access attempts that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also review their existing security policies and procedures to ensure they account for potential authentication bypass scenarios and maintain updated incident response plans. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-287 emphasizes the need for robust authentication mechanisms and proper session handling, making it essential for organizations to conduct comprehensive security audits of their access control systems. According to ATT&CK framework recommendations, organizations should implement multi-factor authentication and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.