Description Preview
CVE-2021-28481 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Microsoft Exchange Server. This security flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges on affected Exchange servers without requiring authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Overview
This vulnerability is part of a series of critical Exchange Server vulnerabilities discovered in 2021. The flaw exists in the way Microsoft Exchange Server handles certain operations, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute code remotely with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Exchange Server and requires no user interaction to exploit. Once compromised, attackers can install programs, view, change, or delete data, or create new accounts with full administrative rights. This vulnerability has a CVSS score that categorizes it as critical due to its ease of exploitation and severe impact.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, organizations should:
- Apply the security update provided by Microsoft immediately
- Ensure all Exchange servers are updated to the latest cumulative update before applying the security patch
- Monitor for signs of exploitation, including unusual processes running on Exchange servers
- Consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to Exchange servers
- Review Microsoft's guidance for additional post-patch verification steps
- Consider using Microsoft's Exchange On-premises Mitigation Tool (EOMT) if immediate patching is not possible
- Implement additional security controls such as firewalls and enhanced monitoring for Exchange servers
References
- Microsoft Security Response Center Advisory: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-28481
- Microsoft Exchange Team Blog for mitigation guidance
- US-CERT Alert for Microsoft Exchange vulnerabilities
- NIST National Vulnerability Database entry for CVE-2021-28481
- Microsoft Security Update Guide for detailed patch information
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- ConstructionConstruction
- InformationInformation
- MiningMining
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
