CVE-2021-45232: 
Apache APISIX Dashboard vulnerability analysis and mitigation

A high-severity security vulnerability (CVE-2021-45232) was discovered in Apache APISIX Dashboard versions before 2.10.1. The vulnerability was disclosed on December 27, 2021, and was independently discovered by ZHU Yucheng of YuanbaoTeach Security Team. The Apache APISIX Dashboard, which serves as a frontend interface for users to operate Apache APISIX, contained an authentication bypass issue in its Manager API implementation (Apache Advisory, Security Online).

The vulnerability stems from the Manager API's implementation using two different frameworks - 'droplet' and 'gin'. While all APIs and authentication middleware were developed based on the 'droplet' framework, some APIs directly utilized the interface of the 'gin' framework, thereby circumventing the authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (CRITICAL) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating its severe nature. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function) (NVD).

The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to the Apache APISIX Dashboard by bypassing authentication mechanisms. Given the CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability poses a critical risk as it could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical dashboard functions and administrative controls (NVD).

The vulnerability is considered highly exploitable due to its network accessibility (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), and no requirements for privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N) as indicated by the CVSS metrics (NVD).

Two primary mitigation strategies have been recommended: 1) Upgrade to Apache APISIX Dashboard version 2.10.1 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability, or 2) Change the default username and password, and restrict the source IP addresses that can access the Apache APISIX Dashboard (OSS Security).