CVE-2021-22498 : Security Advisory and Response

XML External Entity Injection vulnerability has been identified in Micro Focus Application Lifecycle Management (Previously known as Quality Center). This CVE affects versions 12.x, 12.60 Patch 5 and earlier, 15.0.1 Patch 2 and earlier, and 15.5, allowing potential exploitation for XML External Entity Injection.

Understanding CVE-2021-22498

This section delves into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-22498?

CVE-2021-22498 refers to an XML External Entity Injection vulnerability found in Micro Focus ALM, potentially leading to unauthorized information disclosure and system compromise.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22498

The vulnerability could result in an attacker exploiting the XML External Entity Injection to access sensitive data, launch DoS attacks, or gain unauthorized system control.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22498

Let's explore the technical aspects related to this CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows threat actors to manipulate XML input and potentially access or manipulate sensitive data, leading to security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

Micro Focus ALM versions 12.x, 12.60 Patch 5 and earlier, 15.0.1 Patch 2 and earlier, and 15.5 are confirmed to be affected by this CVE.

Exploitation Mechanism

By injecting malicious XML code, attackers can circumvent security controls and exploit the vulnerability to execute unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your systems from CVE-2021-22498 is crucial. Here are the steps to mitigate risks and enhance your security posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Micro Focus promptly to fix the vulnerability.
Implement network security measures to detect and prevent XML External Entity Injection attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any potential weaknesses.
Educate your team on secure coding practices and the risks associated with XML External Entity Injection.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches from Micro Focus. Regularly update your software to the latest secure versions to prevent exploitation.