CVE-2021-21676 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in Jenkins requests-plugin Plugin version 2.2.7 and earlier, allowing attackers with specific permissions to send test emails to target email addresses.

Understanding CVE-2021-21676

This CVE involves a security issue in the Jenkins requests-plugin Plugin that could be exploited by attackers with Overall/Read permissions.

What is CVE-2021-21676?

The vulnerability in Jenkins requests-plugin Plugin versions 2.2.7 and below allows attackers to send test emails to email addresses of their choice without proper permission checks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21676

Attackers with the specified permissions can abuse this vulnerability to send test emails to potentially malicious email addresses, leading to possible phishing attempts or data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21676

This section outlines the specific technical details of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

Jenkins requests-plugin Plugin version 2.2.7 and earlier lacks a permission check in an HTTP endpoint, enabling attackers with Overall/Read permission to send test emails to arbitrary email addresses.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Jenkins requests-plugin Plugin versions less than or equal to 2.2.7.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the absence of permission checks in the HTTP endpoint, attackers with the required permissions can exploit the vulnerability to send test emails to unauthorized email addresses.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-21676 and enhance system security, the following steps are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jenkins requests-plugin Plugin to a non-vulnerable version above 2.2.7.
Limit user permissions to mitigate potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from Jenkins project to stay informed about new vulnerabilities.
Implement a robust security policy to manage permissions effectively within the Jenkins environment.

Patching and Updates

Ensure prompt installation of security patches and updates for Jenkins requests-plugin Plugin to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.