CVE-2021-32579 in True Image
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2021
Acronis True Image prior to 2021 Update 4 for Windows and Acronis True Image prior to 2021 Update 5 for macOS allowed an unauthenticated attacker (who has a local code execution ability) to tamper with the micro-service API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-32579 affects Acronis True Image versions prior to 2021 Update 4 for Windows and 2021 Update 5 for macOS, representing a critical security flaw in the backup software's micro-service API architecture. This vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the application's service layer, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the system's core functionality. The flaw specifically targets the micro-service API component that handles various backup and recovery operations, exposing sensitive system interfaces to unauthorized modification attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker who already possesses local code execution capabilities to exploit the weakened authentication controls within the micro-service API. This represents a privilege escalation scenario where the existing local access is leveraged to gain deeper control over the backup application's internal processes. The vulnerability manifests through improper validation of API requests, enabling attackers to submit crafted payloads that bypass standard authentication checks. This flaw operates under the CWE-287 category of improper authentication, specifically targeting API endpoints that should require proper authentication before executing sensitive operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it enables attackers to compromise the integrity of the backup system and potentially gain access to sensitive data stored within the backup environment. An attacker could modify backup configurations, alter backup schedules, or even inject malicious code into the backup process itself. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the backup application, potentially allowing attackers to create false backups, modify existing backup data, or disrupt the backup process entirely. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where backup systems serve as critical recovery mechanisms.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched versions of Acronis True Image for both Windows and macOS platforms, as these updates contain the necessary authentication improvements and API security enhancements. Organizations should also review their network segmentation policies to limit local execution capabilities where possible, and implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual API activity patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it leverages existing local access to escalate privileges within the backup application's service layer. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1566.001 for malicious file execution, as attackers could potentially exploit the API to deploy malicious code through backup processes.