CVE-2021-33333:Improper Permission Check in Liferay Portal Workflow Module

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The Portal Workflow module in Liferay Portal 7.3.2 and earlier, and Liferay DXP 7.0 before fix pack 93, 7.1 before fix pack 19 and 7.2 before fix pack 6, contains a vulnerability where it does not properly check user permissions. This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to view and delete workflow submissions by accessing crafted URLs, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information and disruption of workflow processes.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2021-33333) is classified as CWE-276: Incorrect Default Permissions. The issue exists in the Portal Workflow module of Liferay Portal and DXP, where the application fails to properly validate user permissions before allowing access to workflow submission data. An authenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specific URLs to bypass permission checks, gaining unauthorized access to view or delete workflow submissions that should be restricted. This could lead to information disclosure, data loss, or disruption of business processes that rely on these workflows.

Remediation

Organizations using affected versions of Liferay should update to the following patched versions:

  • Liferay Portal: Update to a version newer than 7.3.2
  • Liferay DXP 7.0: Apply fix pack 93 or later
  • Liferay DXP 7.1: Apply fix pack 19 or later
  • Liferay DXP 7.2: Apply fix pack 6 or later

If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing the following temporary mitigations:

  1. Restrict access to the Portal Workflow module to only essential users
  2. Implement additional network-level access controls for workflow-related endpoints
  3. Monitor workflow submission activities for unauthorized access attempts
  4. Regularly review workflow permissions and user access rights

References

  1. Liferay Issue Tracker: https://issues.liferay.com/browse/LPE-17032
  2. Liferay Security Advisory: https://portal.liferay.dev/learn/security/known-vulnerabilities/-/asset_publisher/HbL5mxmVrnXW/content/id/120747742
  3. CWE-276: Incorrect Default Permissions: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/276.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
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.

  1. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  2. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  3. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  4. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  5. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  6. Construction
    Construction
  7. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  8. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  9. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  10. Information
    Information
  11. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  12. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  13. Mining
    Mining
  14. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  15. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  16. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  17. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  18. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

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Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database