CVE-2021-21648 : Security Advisory and Response

Jenkins Credentials Plugin version 2.3.18 and earlier is affected by a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability due to unescaped user-controlled information.

Understanding CVE-2021-21648

This CVE affects the Jenkins Credentials Plugin, exposing users to potential XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-21648?

CVE-2021-21648 is a security vulnerability in Jenkins Credentials Plugin versions 2.3.18 and earlier that allows malicious actors to execute XSS attacks by injecting unescaped data.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21648

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into a user's browser, leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other potential security risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21648

The following technical details outline the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Jenkins Credentials Plugin versions 2.3.18 and earlier do not properly escape user-controlled data, exposing users to XSS attacks via reflected data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: Jenkins Credentials Plugin <= 2.3.18
Unaffected Versions: 2.3.0.1, 2.3.7.1, 2.3.14.1, 2.3.13.1, 2.3.15.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious input that, when executed by a user, triggers the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the affected site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21648, users and administrators should take the following steps.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Jenkins Credentials Plugin to a non-vulnerable version immediately.
Be cautious of the data being input and displayed within the plugin to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and plugins to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Educate users on safe coding practices to prevent the introduction of vulnerable code.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates released by the Jenkins project to address the security vulnerability and protect systems from potential exploitation.