CVE-2021-44207
Published: December 23, 2024
Official Description
Acclaim Systems USAHERDS contains a hard-coded credentials vulnerability that could allow an attacker to achieve remote code execution on the system that runs the application. The MachineKey must be obtained via a separate vulnerability or other channel.
CISA KEV Advisory
Acclaim Systems USAHERDS Use of Hard-Coded Credentials Vulnerability
Acclaim Systems USAHERDS contains a hard-coded credentials vulnerability that could allow an attacker to achieve remote code execution on the system that runs the application. The MachineKey must be obtained via a separate vulnerability or other channel.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Please contact the product developer for support and vulnerability mitigation.
Risk Analysis
Acclaim Systems USAHERDS contains a hard-coded credentials vulnerability that could lead to remote code execution. While requiring a separate vulnerability to obtain the MachineKey, its active exploitation in the wild and inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog make it a critical threat. The high EPSS score further highlights the urgency.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. It allows for remote code execution, though it requires prior access to the MachineKey.
Update Acclaim Systems USAHERDS to a patched version to remove hard-coded credentials. Implement strong access controls and regularly rotate credentials for all systems, especially those exposed to the internet.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-44207 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2021-44207 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (3)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-44207 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1