CVE-2021-38142 in MirrorOp Windows Sender
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2021
Barco MirrorOp Windows Sender before 2.5.3.65 uses cleartext HTTP and thus allows rogue software upgrades. An attacker on the local network can achieve remote code execution on any computer that tries to update Windows Sender due to the fact that the upgrade mechanism is not secured (is not protected with TLS).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38142 affects Barco MirrorOp Windows Sender versions prior to 2.5.3.65 and represents a critical security flaw in the software's update mechanism. This issue stems from the application's reliance on cleartext HTTP protocols for software upgrade communications, creating a significant attack surface that exposes systems to malicious interference. The vulnerability operates within the context of local network environments where attackers can position themselves to intercept and manipulate update traffic, fundamentally undermining the security posture of affected systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of transport layer security protection during the software update process. Specifically, the upgrade mechanism lacks TLS encryption, forcing the application to communicate over unencrypted HTTP connections. This cleartext communication allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by intercepting update requests and responses, enabling them to substitute legitimate update files with malicious payloads. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-319 as exposure of sensitive information via unencrypted communication channels, directly violating fundamental security principles for network communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve remote code execution on target systems. When vulnerable Windows Sender applications attempt to update themselves, the attacker can inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected application. This compromise can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network. The vulnerability affects any computer within the local network segment that attempts to perform automatic updates, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be running the vulnerable software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-38142 primarily focus on immediate software patching to version 2.5.3.65 or later, which implements proper TLS encryption for update communications. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate systems running MirrorOp Sender from critical network segments, thereby limiting the potential attack surface. Additional protective measures include deploying network monitoring tools to detect anomalous update traffic patterns and configuring firewall rules to restrict outbound HTTP connections from the affected applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1021.001 for remote services, demonstrating how unsecured update mechanisms can facilitate lateral movement and privilege escalation within compromised networks. Security professionals should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to identify and block unauthorized update traffic, as this vulnerability represents a classic example of how insecure communication protocols can create persistent security weaknesses in networked applications.