CVE-2021-29701 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Engineering Workflow Management 7.0, 7.0.1, and 7.0.2 as well as IBM Rational Team Concert 6.0.6 and 6.0.6.1 are affected by a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated attacker to access sensitive information from build definitions, potentially leading to further system attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-29701

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-29701.

What is CVE-2021-29701?

CVE-2021-29701 pertains to a security flaw in IBM Engineering Workflow Management and Rational Team Concert that permits a malicious actor to obtain critical data from build definitions, which could be leveraged for subsequent attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29701

The vulnerability's CVSS v3.0 base score is 4.3 (Medium severity), with low attack complexity and no integrity impact. Although the exploit code maturity is unproven, its exploitation could lead to a range of adverse consequences.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29701

This section outlines the specifics of the vulnerability, including affected systems, exploitation mechanisms, and impact factors.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in IBM Engineering Workflow Management and Rational Team Concert allows a legitimate user to extract sensitive information from build definitions, opening avenues for further cyber assaults.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM products affected include Engineering Workflow Management versions 7.0, 7.0.1, 7.0.2, and Rational Team Concert versions 6.0.6, 6.0.6.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by accessing build definitions, enabling the extraction of valuable data that can be misused.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the immediate steps and long-term strategies to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-29701.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using the impacted versions should apply official fixes promptly, restrict access to build definition information, and closely monitor system activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating role-based access controls, regular security audits, and employee cybersecurity training can enhance the resilience of the affected IBM products.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins from IBM and promptly apply patches and updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.