CVE-2021-33190 in APISIX Dashboard
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2021
In Apache APISIX Dashboard version 2.6, we changed the default value of listen host to 0.0.0.0 in order to facilitate users to configure external network access. In the IP allowed list restriction, a risky function was used for the IP acquisition, which made it possible to bypass the network limit. At the same time, the default account and password are fixed.Ultimately these factors lead to the issue of security risks. This issue is fixed in APISIX Dashboard 2.6.1
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-33190 affects Apache APISIX Dashboard version 2.6 and represents a critical security flaw stemming from improper network access controls and hardcoded credentials. This vulnerability arises from a combination of configuration changes and implementation weaknesses that together create a pathway for unauthorized access to the dashboard interface. The issue manifests through a flawed IP address acquisition mechanism that allows attackers to bypass network restrictions intended to limit access to the dashboard. The default configuration change from a specific listening host to 0.0.0.0 was designed to enable external network access but inadvertently introduced a security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-657 as "Security-relevant data flow using insecure channel" and CWE-310 as "Cryptographic Issues" due to the use of insecure IP address resolution functions. The implementation uses a risky function for IP acquisition that fails to properly validate or sanitize the source IP addresses, allowing attackers to manipulate their network position to appear as if they are within the allowed IP range. This weakness specifically impacts the IP whitelist restriction mechanism that should have prevented unauthorized access to the dashboard. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the presence of default credentials that remain unchanged, providing attackers with a known username and password combination to exploit once they bypass the network restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, creating potential for unauthorized access to sensitive API management configurations and administrative functions within the APISIX environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full administrative access to the dashboard, potentially leading to complete compromise of the API management infrastructure. This access could enable malicious actors to modify API configurations, create unauthorized routes, manipulate authentication settings, and potentially access underlying services that the dashboard manages. The combination of network bypass capability with default credentials creates a particularly dangerous attack vector that requires minimal effort to exploit and can result in significant operational disruption and security breaches.
The security implications extend beyond immediate unauthorized access to include potential lateral movement within networks and the possibility of using the compromised dashboard as a foothold for further attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 "Valid Accounts" and T1046 "Network Service Scanning" as attackers can leverage the default credentials and bypass network restrictions to gain system access. The vulnerability also aligns with T1566 "Phishing" and T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" as it represents an unpatched public-facing application vulnerability that can be exploited through standard reconnaissance and exploitation techniques. Organizations using Apache APISIX Dashboard version 2.6 are particularly at risk as the vulnerability exists in the default configuration and requires minimal specialized knowledge to exploit.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Apache APISIX Dashboard version 2.6.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address both the IP acquisition function and the default credential issue. Organizations should also implement additional network security controls such as restricting external access to the dashboard through firewalls, implementing stronger authentication mechanisms, and disabling default accounts where possible. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of all dashboard configurations to ensure that the listen host is properly restricted and that no default credentials remain in use. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure configuration management and the potential risks introduced by default settings that prioritize convenience over security.