Are you running software that’s vulnerable to CVE 2021 41379? If you don’t know the answer to that question, it’s time to find out. If you are like most people, you most likely don’t give much thought to the security patches and updates for your computer and other devices. After all, they can be time-consuming to install and don’t always seem to offer many new features or functionality.
This security vulnerability, which was discovered and assigned a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifier in 2021, has the potential to cause serious harm to affected systems and organisations. However, if you’re not staying on top of these updates, you could be vulnerable to serious security risks, like the one highlighted by CVE 2021 41379.
This article will examine CVE 2021 41379, how it came to be, who discovered it, and mitigation and remediation steps. Dive in.
What Is CVE 2021 41379?
CVE 2021 41379 is a vulnerability that was discovered and assigned a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifier. It is a system that identifies and tracks known security vulnerabilities.
CVE 2021 41379 was first discovered in 2021, and it’s classified as a code injection vulnerability. The vulnerability affects certain software applications and can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system.
In other words, it’s a serious security risk that could allow someone to take control of your computer and access your sensitive data. CVE identifiers are assigned to vulnerabilities by a central authority and used by security researchers, software vendors, and users to reference and discuss the vulnerabilities.
How Does CVE 2021 41379 Work?
CVE 2021 41379 is a vulnerability that affects specific software applications and can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system. The vulnerability is caused by an input validation issue in the affected software.
It can be successfully exploited by an attacker to trigger a buffer overflow. A buffer overflow happens when a program attempts to write more data to a buffer than it can handle, which can cause the program to crash or allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code.
Specifically, CVE 2021 41379 can be triggered when a user opens a maliciously crafted file or visits a website that contains the exploit code. The attacker can then use the vulnerability to execute code with similar privileges to the vulnerable software. This could potentially allow the attacker to take control of the affected system, steal sensitive data, or carry out other malicious activities.
It’s worth noting that the specific details of how CVE 2021 41379 works may vary depending on the affected software and other factors. Additionally, since the vulnerability has been patched, it is no longer a threat if users keep their software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
Who Discovered CVE 2021 41379?
CVE 2021 41379 was discovered by a security researcher named Abdelhamid Naceri. According to reports, Naceri found the vulnerability while researching a particular software application.
He found that it didn’t fully mitigate the issue and published a proof of concept (POC) code to prove exploitation of the vulnerability, which is still possible on the patched versions of Windows allowing system-level privileges. The working proof of concept will overwrite the Microsoft Edge elevation service “DACL” and copy itself to a service location, then execute it for privilege escalation.
The vulnerability was subsequently assigned a CVE identifier, which is CVE 2021 41379. It is worth noting that security vulnerabilities are often discovered and reported by multiple individuals and entities. So, while Naceri may have been the initial discoverer of this vulnerability, it is possible that others also contributed to its discovery and reporting.
How was CVE 2021 41379 Discovered?
Microsoft published an update on November 9, 2021, as part of Patch Tuesday, to address CVE-2021-41379, a “Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability” with low CVSS scores (5.5). The original Issue allows an attacker to use elevated privileges to delete files on a system.
However, it was later discovered that the patch was incomplete, allowing the vulnerability to remain exploitable. This is known as a patch bypass. It can happen when a patch does not fully address the underlying vulnerability or when threat actors find new ways to exploit the same vulnerability.
This allowed security researcher Abdelhamid Naceri to find a way to exploit the vulnerability and gain system-level privileges on a vulnerable system. As a result, Microsoft released a new patch to address the vulnerability fully in December 2021.
How to Detect and Mitigate CVE-2021-41379
The proof of concept exploit can be performed on any Windows device, including the fully patched Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2022 machines. With the zero-day exploit available, threat actors have been looking for ways to use the privilege vulnerability, especially in malware in the affected versions.
If you’re running software vulnerable to CVE 2021 41379, taking steps to mitigate the risk is essential. The first step is to check whether the vulnerability affects your software. You can check the vendor’s website for information on the vulnerability and any available patches.
You should install a patch as soon as possible if a patch is available. Otherwise, you can take temporary measures to reduce cyber exposure and the risk of exploitation. For example, you can restrict access to vulnerable software or disable vulnerable functionality until a patch is available.
However, security practitioners recommend avoiding mitigation because of the risk of breaking the Windows installer.
Conclusion on CVE 2021 41379
CVE 2021 41379 is a severe vulnerability highlighting the importance of proactive security measures. It’s crucial for organisations and individuals to stay up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates and to take steps to mitigate vulnerabilities when they’re discovered.
If you’re running software that’s vulnerable to CVE 2021 41379, don’t panic. Take the time to determine the risk and take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your organisation. You can help keep your systems and data secure by staying informed and proactive.
Frequently Asked Questions on CVE 2021 41379
1. How can I protect myself from CVE-2021-41379?
To protect yourself from CVE-2021-41379, install the official patch released by Microsoft Corporation as soon as possible. It is also recommended to follow the best internet and system security practices, such as using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links or downloads, and keeping your software up to date with the latest security patches.
2. How can I check if I am vulnerable to CVE-2021-41379?
To determine if you are vulnerable to CVE-2021-41379, you can check the version of Microsoft Edge you are running and compare it to the list of supported versions. If you are running a supported version, you should install the official fix to protect yourself from the vulnerability.
3. Can I still use Microsoft Edge without installing the official patch?
While it is not recommended, you can still use Microsoft Edge without installing the official patch. However, doing so increases your risk of being exploited by CVE-2021-41379 or other security vulnerabilities. Installing the official patch to protect yourself and your system is strongly recommended.
4. What should I do if I have already been affected by CVE-2021-41379?
If you have already been affected by CVE-2021-41379, you should take immediate action to prevent further damage. This may include disconnecting the affected system from the internet, running a full system scan with up-to-date antivirus software, and contacting a cybersecurity professional for assistance.
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