CVE-2021-28965 : What You Need to Know

The REXML gem before 3.2.5 in Ruby before 2.6.7, 2.7.x before 2.7.3, and 3.x before 3.0.1 has a vulnerability that can lead to incorrect XML document generation. Learn more about CVE-2021-28965 and its impact.

Understanding CVE-2021-28965

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-28965 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-28965?

The REXML gem in specific versions of Ruby fails to address XML round-trip issues, potentially resulting in the creation of inaccurate documents after parsing and serializing.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28965

The vulnerability poses a risk of producing flawed XML documents due to incorrect handling of XML round-trip issues. Malicious actors could exploit this weakness to manipulate data or execute further attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28965

Explore the technical aspects related to CVE-2021-28965.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the REXML gem versions before 3.2.5 in Ruby allows the generation of incorrect XML documents, introducing the risk of data corruption and exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Ruby versions before 2.6.7, 2.7.x before 2.7.3, and 3.x before 3.0.1 with the vulnerable REXML gem version are susceptible to this issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating XML documents to produce unexpected or malicious results, potentially compromising the integrity of the data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-28965.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Ruby to versions 2.6.7, 2.7.3, or 3.0.1, which include the necessary patches to address the XML round-trip issues in REXML.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining up-to-date software versions and following secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates and security advisories related to REXML and Ruby to stay informed about potential fixes and enhancements.