External risk intelligence

Sitecore Experience Platform Insecure Deserialization Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-42237

A vulnerability in Sitecore Experience Platform allows remote command execution without authentication. This impacts organizations using specific older versions, posing a risk of system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can gain unauthorized control, leading to potential disruption.

4Halo Surface Signal

Deserialization

Sitecore Experience Platform

7.58.08.18.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-42237

Sitecore Experience Platform is a content management system typically deployed as an internet-facing web application. Since it serves web content to users, the application components are frequently accessible from the public internet in standard deployment patterns.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Sitecore Experience Platform versions 7.5 through 8.2 Update-7 are affected by a vulnerability that allows for remote command execution. This flaw stems from the platform's insecure deserialization process, where it does not properly validate data before reconstructing objects. An attacker can exploit this to execute arbitrary code on the compromised system without requiring authentication.

  • Insecure deserialization in Sitecore XP.
  • Allows unauthenticated remote command execution.
  • Potential for system compromise and data breach.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on a targeted system. The attack exploits an insecure deserialization process within the affected Sitecore Experience Platform versions. Successful exploitation can lead to a complete compromise of the affected machine.

  • External network exposure.
  • Unauthenticated access and malicious data.
  • Remote command execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows remote command execution on affected systems. An attacker could potentially gain unauthorized control of a system without needing any credentials or special configurations. This could lead to significant business disruption and data compromise.

  • Attackers with any skill level.
  • No authentication or special conditions required.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The Sitecore Experience Platform is susceptible to remote command execution due to an insecure deserialization vulnerability. This issue allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected machine without requiring authentication or special configuration. The risk to the organization includes unauthorized access to systems, potential data compromise, and disruption of business operations.

  • Identify all Sitecore Experience Platform assets.
  • Restrict network access to vulnerable systems.
  • Apply vendor patches and validate implementation.
  • Monitor for related malicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sitecore Experience Platform (XP) and which versions are affected by CVE-2021-42237?

Sitecore Experience Platform (XP) is a software used for managing digital content and customer experiences. Versions 7.5 through 8.2 Update-7 are vulnerable to an insecure deserialization attack that allows for remote command execution.

What type of vulnerability does CVE-2021-42237 describe?

CVE-2021-42237 describes an insecure deserialization vulnerability (CWE-502). This means the software improperly handles data when reconstructing objects, enabling an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

What are the prerequisites for exploiting CVE-2021-42237?

Exploiting CVE-2021-42237 does not require any authentication or special configuration. An attacker can achieve remote command execution on the affected machine without these prerequisites.

How relevant is CVE-2021-42237 to internet-facing applications?

Sitecore Experience Platform is typically deployed as an internet-facing web application. Due to its common deployment pattern, components are frequently accessible from the public internet, making this vulnerability highly relevant for external threats.

What steps should be taken to address the Sitecore XP vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify all Sitecore Experience Platform assets, restrict network access to vulnerable systems, and promptly apply vendor-provided patches. Validating patch implementation and monitoring for related malicious activity are also crucial operational steps.

References