CVE-2021-44207:Acclaim USAHERDS through version 7.4.0.1 contains hard-coded credentials vulnerability (CVE-2021-44207).

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Acclaim USAHERDS through version 7.4.0.1 uses hard-coded credentials (CWE-798), which could allow unauthorized access to the system. This vulnerability enables attackers who discover these credentials to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain access to the application with potentially elevated privileges.

Overview

The vulnerability in Acclaim USAHERDS through version 7.4.0.1 involves hard-coded credentials embedded within the application. Hard-coded credentials are a serious security flaw where authentication information such as usernames, passwords, or cryptographic keys are directly embedded in the application's code or configuration files. This practice bypasses proper authentication mechanisms and creates a significant security risk, as anyone who discovers these credentials can potentially access the system with the privileges associated with those credentials. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials), which is a common weakness that can lead to unauthorized access and potential system compromise.

Remediation

To remediate this vulnerability, system administrators and users of Acclaim USAHERDS should:

  1. Update to the latest version of the software if a patched version is available
  2. Contact Acclaim Systems for specific patch information or workarounds
  3. Implement proper credential management practices:
    • Replace hard-coded credentials with environment variables or secure credential storage
    • Implement proper authentication mechanisms
    • Use unique credentials for each installation
  4. Monitor systems for unauthorized access attempts
  5. Consider implementing additional access controls such as IP restrictions or multi-factor authentication
  6. Audit system access logs regularly to detect potential exploitation

References

  1. Mandiant Vulnerability Disclosure: https://github.com/mandiant/Vulnerability-Disclosures/blob/master/MNDT-2021-0012/MNDT-2021-0012.md
  2. Acclaim Systems Vendor Advisory: https://www.acclaimsystems.com
  3. CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/798.html

Early Warning

Customers using Armis Early Warning were notified about this vulnerability before it appeared in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, enabling them to assess their exposure and act proactively. Armis offers these examples of CVEs already included in CISA KEV for potential customers. Click here to learn how to receive alerts earlier.

Armis Alert Date
Dec 21, 2021
CISA KEV Date
Dec 23, 2024
1098days early

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

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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