Description Preview
CVE-2021-31958 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows NTLM authentication protocol. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-294 (Authentication Bypass) and could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges on affected systems by exploiting weaknesses in the NTLM authentication mechanism.
Overview
This vulnerability affects the Windows NT LAN Manager (NTLM) authentication protocol, which is used in various Windows environments for authentication purposes. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication handling that could allow an attacker to bypass intended authentication requirements. If successfully exploited, an attacker could elevate their privileges on the affected system and potentially gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where NTLM authentication is widely used.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, Microsoft has released security updates that should be applied as soon as possible. Organizations should:
- Apply the latest security patches from Microsoft that address CVE-2021-31958
- Consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms such as Kerberos where possible
- Limit the use of NTLM authentication in favor of more secure protocols
- Monitor systems for suspicious authentication attempts
- Implement the principle of least privilege across all systems
- Consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised credentials
References
- Microsoft Security Advisory: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-31958
- Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-294): Authentication Bypass - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/294.html
- Microsoft Security Response Center Portal: https://msrc.microsoft.com/
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.
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Medium
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Medium
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Medium
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Medium
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Medium
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Medium
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Medium
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Medium
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
