CVE-2021-35221 in Orion Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2021
Improper Access Control Tampering Vulnerability using ImportAlert function which can lead to a Remote Code Execution (RCE) from the Alerts Settings page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-35221 represents a critical improper access control flaw that specifically targets the ImportAlert function within a web application's alert settings interface. This weakness enables malicious actors to manipulate access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code remotely through the alerts configuration page. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and authorization checks when processing alert import operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to escalate their privileges and gain system-level control. The affected system architecture likely employs a web-based interface for managing security alerts, where the ImportAlert functionality accepts external inputs without proper authentication or authorization verification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user permissions during alert import operations, which directly maps to CWE-285, an improper authorization weakness. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious import requests that bypass normal access control mechanisms, potentially allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability's remote execution capability indicates that the affected application does not properly validate the identity and permissions of users attempting to import alert configurations, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged from external network positions. This type of flaw typically occurs when the application fails to implement proper input sanitization and access control validation, particularly when processing data from external sources or user-supplied inputs.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-35221 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides a potential gateway for full system compromise through remote code execution. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, or use as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The implications are particularly severe given that the vulnerability exists within the alerts settings page, which typically requires elevated privileges to access, yet allows for unauthorized code execution. This flaw can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other network resources, aligning with tactics described in the attack pattern taxonomy under MITRE ATT&CK framework for privilege escalation and command and control operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust access control mechanisms that enforce proper authentication and authorization checks for all alert import operations. Security patches should include input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious code injection, while also implementing proper session management and privilege verification processes. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the alerts configuration interface, deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious import requests, and establish regular security assessments to identify similar access control weaknesses. Additionally, the implementation of principle of least privilege access controls, regular security updates, and comprehensive monitoring of alert import activities can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The remediation process should also include thorough code reviews to identify and address similar improper access control patterns throughout the application codebase, ensuring that all user inputs are properly validated and that access controls are consistently enforced across all application functions and interfaces.