CVE-2021-41845 in Secret Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2021
A SQL injection issue was discovered in ThycoticCentrify Secret Server before 11.0.000007.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41845 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Thycotic Centrify Secret Server software prior to version 11.0.000007. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's database interaction components, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate backend database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the secret management platform, which serves as a critical component for enterprise credential management and access control.
The technical exploitation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into database query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive credential information, user accounts, and system configuration data. The flaw manifests primarily in the application's handling of authentication requests and administrative functions where database queries are constructed dynamically based on user input. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection attacks and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-41845 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the secret server environment. Organizations relying on Centrify Secret Server for credential management face significant risks including unauthorized access to production systems, compromise of privileged accounts, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprises that store sensitive authentication credentials, API keys, and access tokens within the secret server, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to critical systems. Recovery from such an exploitation event typically requires comprehensive system reinstallation, credential rotation, and thorough forensic analysis.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-41845 center on immediate patch deployment to version 11.0.000007 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterized query implementations. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the secret server, enforce multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and conduct regular security assessments of database interactions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing integrations while maintaining the integrity of the credential management infrastructure.