CVE-2021-41528 in RISC Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2025
An error when handling authorization related to the import / export interfaces on the RISC Platform prior to the saas-2021-12-29 release can potentially be exploited to access the import / export functionality with low privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41528 represents a critical authorization flaw within the RISC Platform's import and export interfaces. This issue specifically affects systems running versions prior to the saas-2021-12-29 release, where improper access control mechanisms allow unauthorized users to potentially exploit the system and gain access to sensitive import and export functionality. The flaw lies in the platform's authorization handling process, which fails to properly validate user permissions when accessing these administrative interfaces. This authorization bypass vulnerability creates a significant security risk as it enables attackers with minimal privileges to perform operations that should typically be restricted to authorized administrators or users with elevated permissions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-285, which deals with improper authorization within software systems. The flaw manifests when the platform's authentication and authorization subsystem fails to properly enforce access controls during import and export operations, allowing privilege escalation through unauthorized interface access. This type of vulnerability falls within the ATT&CK framework under the T1078 technique for Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to leverage existing low-privilege accounts to access restricted system functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because import and export operations often involve sensitive data handling, system configuration changes, and potentially administrative level operations that could compromise the entire platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it could enable attackers to manipulate system data through import functions or extract sensitive information via export capabilities. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to import malicious files, modify system configurations, or export confidential data without proper authorization. The affected RISC Platform environment would experience a significant security degradation, as the system's integrity and confidentiality assurances would be compromised. Organizations utilizing this platform without the applicable security patch would be vulnerable to data breaches, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-41528 should prioritize immediate deployment of the saas-2021-12-29 release or equivalent security patches that address the authorization handling flaw. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of import and export interface access controls, implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts. The platform should be configured with least privilege principles, ensuring that only authorized users with proper clearance can access sensitive import and export functionality. Network segmentation and access control lists should be reviewed to limit potential attack vectors, while regular security assessments should be performed to identify similar authorization flaws within the platform. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and establishing automated alerting systems for suspicious import/export activities would provide enhanced protection against exploitation of this vulnerability.