CVE-2021-26279 in Weather
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2024
Some parameters of the weather module are improperly stored, leaking some sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-26279 represents a critical information disclosure issue within weather module implementations that exposes sensitive data through improper parameter storage mechanisms. This flaw typically manifests when weather data processing systems fail to properly sanitize or encrypt user-provided parameters before storing them in system memory or persistent storage locations. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure data handling practices that can lead to unauthorized information exposure. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the storage of sensitive information, specifically categorized under CWE-200 Information Exposure, where the improper handling of user parameters creates potential attack vectors for data leakage. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can affect various weather-related applications including mobile apps, web services, and IoT devices that process location-based weather data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when weather module parameters such as user location coordinates, personal identifiers, or other sensitive metadata are stored without adequate security measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input parameters that, when processed by the weather module, result in sensitive information being persisted in insecure storage locations. This typically involves parameter manipulation where the module fails to validate or sanitize input before storage, allowing attackers to either directly access stored parameters or infer sensitive information through indirect means. The vulnerability often leverages the principle of least privilege by failing to implement proper access controls or encryption for stored parameters, making it easier for unauthorized parties to extract information from the system. This weakness is particularly dangerous in environments where weather applications handle personal location data, user preferences, or other privacy-sensitive information that could be used for tracking or identity theft.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-26279 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as location tracking, user profiling, or even identity-based attacks. When sensitive weather parameters are improperly stored, attackers can potentially reconstruct user behavior patterns, determine personal routines, or identify vulnerable targets based on location-based data patterns. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the security triad and can lead to privacy violations that may violate regulations such as gdpr or ccpa. The attack surface is broad as weather modules are widely deployed across mobile platforms, web applications, and embedded systems where user data is routinely processed and stored. Organizations using affected weather modules may face compliance issues, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences if sensitive user information is compromised through this vulnerability. The impact is particularly severe in mobile applications where location data is frequently collected and stored, creating persistent data trails that can be exploited over time.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-26279 require comprehensive implementation of secure parameter handling practices throughout the weather module lifecycle. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to ensure that all user parameters are thoroughly checked before storage operations occur. The implementation of encryption for sensitive parameters both in transit and at rest provides critical protection against unauthorized access to stored information. Regular security audits and penetration testing of weather modules should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in related components. Additionally, access controls should be implemented to limit who can access stored weather parameters, and proper logging mechanisms should be established to detect unauthorized access attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability relates to technique T1567.002 Exfiltration Over Web Service where attackers may use compromised weather modules to extract sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing data loss prevention measures and regularly update weather module implementations to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation process involves not only fixing the immediate storage issue but also establishing secure coding practices and regular security training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future implementations.