CVE-2021-42254 in Privilege Management
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2021
BeyondTrust Privilege Management prior to version 21.6 creates a Temporary File in a Directory with Insecure Permissions.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-42254 affects BeyondTrust Privilege Management software versions prior to 21.6, presenting a critical security flaw related to temporary file creation and directory permissions. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly secure temporary file locations, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and unauthorized system access. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to exploit insecure directory permissions and potentially gain elevated privileges within the system.
The technical flaw manifests when the software generates temporary files in directories that lack appropriate access controls or permissions. This insecure file creation behavior creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate temporary files, potentially leading to code execution or privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-732, which specifically addresses Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The insecure permissions typically allow unauthorized users or processes to modify or replace temporary files, creating a persistent security risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to systems managed by BeyondTrust Privilege Management. This creates opportunities for data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments where the software is deployed. Organizations relying on this privilege management solution face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where administrative privileges are frequently managed and where the software operates with elevated permissions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to version 21.6 or later, which addresses the insecure directory permissions issue. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions, ensuring that temporary directories have restricted access controls and are not writable by untrusted users. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in temporary directories and implementing privilege separation techniques can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure temporary file handling in privilege management systems and aligns with industry best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 for secure file handling and access control management. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any existing exploitation attempts and ensure proper patch deployment across all affected systems.