CVE-2021-29159 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in Nexus Repository Manager 3.x before version 3.30.1, allowing an attacker with a local account to execute arbitrary JavaScript within the NXRM application context.

Understanding CVE-2021-29159

This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2021-29159 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-29159?

The CVE-2021-29159 vulnerability is a cross-site scripting (XSS) security flaw in Nexus Repository Manager 3.x versions prior to 3.30.1. It enables a malicious actor holding a local account to craft entities with properties that, upon being viewed by an administrator, can trigger the execution of unauthorized JavaScript code.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29159

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and potentially malicious activities within the NXRM application environment.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29159

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the CVE-2021-29159 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability in Nexus Repository Manager 3.x before 3.30.1 allows attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code within a local account's crafted properties, leading to unauthorized code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

All Nexus Repository Manager 3.x versions before 3.30.1 are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker must have a local account within the application to exploit this vulnerability. By creating entities with malicious properties and tricking an administrator into viewing them, the attacker can execute arbitrary JavaScript code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-29159, certain security measures need to be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their Nexus Repository Manager to version 3.30.1 or later to patch the XSS vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits, secure coding practices, and user input validation are recommended to enhance the overall security posture of applications.

Patching and Updates

Staying up to date with software patches and security updates is crucial in addressing known vulnerabilities and reducing the risk of security breaches.