CVE-2021-22119 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed insights into CVE-2021-22119, focusing on Spring Security versions 5.5.x prior to 5.5.1, 5.4.x prior to 5.4.7, 5.3.x prior to 5.3.10, and 5.2.x prior to 5.2.11, known for a Denial-of-Service (DoS) vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-22119

CVE-2021-22119 relates to a specific vulnerability found in Spring Security versions, impacting the Authorization Request process in OAuth 2.0 Client Web and WebFlux applications.

What is CVE-2021-22119?

CVE-2021-22119 is a Denial-of-Service (DoS) vulnerability affecting Spring Security versions 5.5.x, 5.4.x, 5.3.x, and 5.2.x. It allows malicious users to exhaust system resources by initiating multiple Authorization Requests.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22119

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as attackers can exploit it to consume system resources using a single or multiple sessions, potentially causing service disruptions and system instability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22119

CVE-2021-22119 involves the initiation of Authorization Requests in OAuth 2.0 Client Web and WebFlux applications, leading to uncontrolled resource consumption.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial-of-Service (DoS) condition by flooding the system with multiple Authorization Requests, impacting system stability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Spring Security versions 5.5.x, 5.4.x, 5.3.x, and 5.2.x are vulnerable to this exploit and should take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious users can initiate the Authorization Request for the Authorization Code Grant in OAuth 2.0, which can lead to the exhaustion of system resources through repeated requests.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address the CVE-2021-22119 vulnerability to enhance system security and protect against potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should update affected Spring Security versions to the patched releases (5.5.1, 5.4.7, 5.3.10, and 5.2.11) to mitigate the DoS vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures, such as access controls, rate limiting, and monitoring, to prevent and detect unauthorized resource consumption attempts.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches released by Spring Security to ensure the ongoing protection of systems from vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-22119.