CVE-2021-28342 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 04/14/2021
Remote Procedure Call Runtime Remote Code Execution Vulnerability This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2021-28327, CVE-2021-28329, CVE-2021-28330, CVE-2021-28331, CVE-2021-28332, CVE-2021-28333, CVE-2021-28334, CVE-2021-28335, CVE-2021-28336, CVE-2021-28337, CVE-2021-28338, CVE-2021-28339, CVE-2021-28340, CVE-2021-28341, CVE-2021-28343, CVE-2021-28344, CVE-2021-28345, CVE-2021-28346, CVE-2021-28352, CVE-2021-28353, CVE-2021-28354, CVE-2021-28355, CVE-2021-28356, CVE-2021-28357, CVE-2021-28358, CVE-2021-28434.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2021
The Remote Procedure Call Runtime Remote Code Execution Vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-28342 represents a critical security flaw within Microsoft's RPC runtime component that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the Windows operating system's remote procedure call infrastructure, which serves as a fundamental communication mechanism for distributed applications and system services. The flaw exists in how the RPC runtime processes certain data structures during remote procedure calls, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors without requiring authentication. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and falls under the broader category of remote code execution vulnerabilities that pose significant threats to enterprise networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of input parameters within the RPC runtime library, particularly when handling serialized data structures that are transmitted across network boundaries. Attackers can craft malicious RPC requests containing specially formatted data that triggers buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions within the target system's memory space. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the Windows operating system, meaning successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any form of user interaction or authentication, making it an ideal candidate for automated attack campaigns. The RPC runtime component is deeply integrated into Windows systems, making this vulnerability pervasive across various Windows versions and server configurations.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-28342 extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect entire enterprise networks, as the vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent backdoors and facilitate lateral movement within compromised environments. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be combined with other attack vectors to create sophisticated exploitation chains, particularly when paired with privilege escalation techniques or additional zero-day vulnerabilities. The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any system running affected Windows versions that have RPC services enabled, which encompasses servers, workstations, and domain controllers. Organizations that have not implemented proper network segmentation or have legacy systems with outdated security patches face the highest risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution without authentication makes it particularly attractive to advanced persistent threat actors who seek to establish long-term access to target networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-28342 should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates, as the vendor has released patches specifically addressing this vulnerability through the regular monthly security update cycle. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit RPC service exposure and disable unnecessary RPC endpoints to reduce the attack surface. The implementation of intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious RPC traffic patterns can provide additional defense layers. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected RPC components and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers Windows Remote Management, and T1105, involving remote file execution, making proper network monitoring essential for detection. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management controls and regular security audits to prevent unauthorized exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the necessity of robust security monitoring in preventing successful exploitation attempts.