CVE-2021-22159 Missing authorization in n/a

High 7.8 Published 26 Jan 2021 Updated 3 Aug 2024

A local authenticated user can execute arbitrary commands with SYSTEM privileges due to missing authentication in the Windows agent.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-22159?

CVE-2021-22159 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in n/a, published on 26 Jan 2021. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Insider Threat Management Windows Agent Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability The Proofpoint Insider Threat Management (formerly ObserveIT) Agent for Windows before 7.4.3, 7.5.4, 7.6.5, 7.7.5, 7.8.4, 7.9.3, 7.10.2, and 7.11.0.25 as well as versions 7.3 and earlier is missing authentication for a critical function, which allows a local authenticated Windows user to run arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Windows SYSTEM user. Agents for MacOS, Linux, and ITM Cloud are not affected.

Weakness: CWE-306

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-22159?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Proofpoint Insider Threat Management.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22159?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-22159 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.

Is CVE-2021-22159 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-22159 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-52fx-r79r-42fh.