CVE-2021-4016
About
Rapid7 Insight Agent, versions prior to 3.1.3, suffer from an improper access control vulnerability whereby, the user has access to the snapshot directory. An attacker can access, read and copy any of the files in this directory e.g. asset_info.json or file_info.json, leading to a loss of confidentiality. This issue was fixed in Rapid7 Insight Agent 3.1.3.
Rainforest analyst review
Rapid7's Insight Agent leaves its snapshot directory readable to the local user, exposing files like asset_info.json and file_info.json. That's a local information-disclosure issue: someone who is already on the endpoint can read data the agent collected about the asset. The vector confirms the modest ceiling — local access only, confidentiality-only impact, no integrity or availability effect.
The honest read is that this is low-severity for a reason. An attacker needs to already be a local user on the machine to benefit, and what they gain is inventory-style metadata, not credentials or code execution. It's the kind of finding that matters as a small link in a post-compromise reconnaissance chain — useful for an adversary already inside mapping the environment — rather than anything that gets you in. No remote angle, no mass exploitation.
We'd handle this as routine agent-fleet hygiene: confirm Insight Agent is at 3.1.3 or later across managed endpoints and move on. It's a clean, well-scoped fix on the vendor's line, so the effort is just verifying rollout coverage. We rank it near the bottom of the queue and wouldn't let its presence on a report distract from anything remotely reachable.
References
Related CVEs
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2021-4016?
Rapid7 Insight Agent, versions prior to 3.1.3, suffer from an improper access control vulnerability whereby, the user has access to the snapshot directory. An attacker can access, read and copy any of the files in this directory e.g. asset_info.json or file_info.json, leading to a loss of confidentiality. This issue was fixed in Rapid7 Insight Agent 3.1.3.
How severe is CVE-2021-4016?
CVE-2021-4016 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 4, rated medium. On the Rainforest Risk Index — which weighs the severity alongside how easy the flaw is to reach and how broad its impact is — it scores 42 out of 100, in the moderate band.
How is CVE-2021-4016 exploited?
According to the CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N): attack vector Local, attack complexity Low, privileges required None, user interaction None. Impact on confidentiality Low, integrity None and availability None.
Which products are affected by CVE-2021-4016?
Public advisories list the following as affected: insight agent. Check the references on this page for the exact versions each vendor confirms.
How do I fix CVE-2021-4016?
Apply the fix the vendor published — the references on this page link to the primary advisories and patches. When patching can't happen right away, reduce the exposure of the affected component and watch it for exploitation attempts. Rainforest customers see this vulnerability correlated to their own assets and prioritized by real exposure, not by score alone.
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