CentOS is a discontinued OS. If you are still using this, please upgrade where available.
CVE-2021-31324 is a vulnerability found in the unprivileged user portal of the CentOS Web Panel. This flaw is particularly concerning due to its potential to allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands as the root user, effectively granting them full control over the compromised system. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-77, which pertains to improper neutralisation of special elements used in OS commands, commonly referred to as OS Command Injection. This vulnerability, if exploited, can lead to remote code execution with root privileges, posing a significant risk to affected systems.
Technical Overview
The vulnerability resides in the way CentOS Web Panel handles certain inputs within its unprivileged user portal. By not adequately sanitising user inputs, the system is susceptible to command injection attacks. Attackers can craft malicious inputs that, when processed by the system, allow them to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely, often without requiring any special access or credentials.
The affected software is CentOS Web Panel, a popular open-source web hosting control panel. While the specific versions impacted were not detailed in the advisory, users of any version should be cautious and consider implementing protective measures promptly.
EPSS and Threat Analysis
The Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) provides insights into the likelihood of a vulnerability being exploited in the wild. CVE-2021-31324 has been provided an EPSS score of 98.88% meaning that there is a EXTREMELY HIGH LIKELIHOOD of this vulnerability being exploited. Command injection vulnerabilities are often targeted due to their ability to provide attackers with elevated privileges and control over a system.
In real-world scenarios, successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences, such as data theft, system compromise, and the deployment of malware or ransomware. Given the critical nature of this flaw, it’s imperative for users to act swiftly to mitigate the risk.
Remediation Steps
CentOS is a discontinued OS. If you are still using this, please upgrade where available.
To protect your systems from CVE-2021-31324, consider the following remediation steps:
1. Restrict Access: Limit access to the user portal to trusted IP addresses or networks. Implementing network-level restrictions can reduce the attack surface.
2. Monitor Systems: Regularly monitor your systems for unusual activity or signs of compromise. Implementing intrusion detection systems (IDS) can help identify potential attacks.
Due to CentOS being discontinued, anyone running it will be at risk to this vulnerability
For official guidance and more detailed information, refer to the security advisory provided by Shielder: CentOS Web Panel Advisory.
By taking these steps, organisations can reduce the risk posed by CVE-2021-31324 and remember, proactive measures are essential in the fight against cyber threats.