CVE-2017-16521 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In previous versions of Inedo BuildMaster before 5.8.2, a vulnerability was identified due to the incorrect usage of XslTransform instead of XslCompiledTransform.

Understanding CVE-2017-16521

In this CVE entry, we delve into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2017-16521?

The vulnerability in Inedo BuildMaster before version 5.8.2 stemmed from the improper use of XslTransform instead of XslCompiledTransform.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16521

The vulnerability could potentially lead to security risks and data exposure due to the incorrect implementation of XSL transformations.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16521

Let's explore the specifics of this CVE in more detail.

Vulnerability Description

In Inedo BuildMaster versions prior to 5.8.2, the misuse of XslTransform instead of XslCompiledTransform was observed, posing a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Inedo BuildMaster versions before 5.8.2
Affected Versions: All versions prior to 5.8.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect usage of XslTransform, which could potentially be exploited by attackers to manipulate XSL transformations.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-16521, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Inedo BuildMaster version 5.8.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Review and update XSL transformation code to ensure the correct usage of XslCompiledTransform.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches from Inedo.
Conduct security audits to identify and address any similar vulnerabilities in the codebase.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Inedo to promptly apply patches and fixes.