CVE-2021-21659 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-21659, focusing on the vulnerability in the Jenkins URLTrigger Plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-21659

This section will cover what CVE-2021-21659 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-21659?

CVE-2021-21659 affects the Jenkins URLTrigger Plugin version 0.48 and earlier, leaving systems vulnerable to XML external entity (XXE) attacks due to a misconfiguration in the XML parser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21659

The vulnerability allows threat actors to launch XXE attacks, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure, server-side request forgery (SSRF), and other security risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21659

In this section, we will delve into specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

Jenkins URLTrigger Plugin 0.48 and earlier fail to secure the XML parser, making it susceptible to XXE attacks that malicious actors can exploit.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running the Jenkins URLTrigger Plugin version 0.48 and below are vulnerable to this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the misconfigured XML parser in the Jenkins URLTrigger Plugin to inject malicious code and carry out XXE attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will provide insights on how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21659.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Jenkins URLTrigger Plugin to a version beyond 0.48 or apply relevant patches to address the XXE vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits, stay informed about plugin updates, and follow secure coding practices to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security advisories from Jenkins project, apply patches promptly, and keep the software up to date to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.