CVE-2021-30164 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Redmine before 4.0.8 and 4.1.x before 4.1.2 allows attackers to bypass the add_issue_notes permission requirement by leveraging the Issues API.

Understanding CVE-2021-30164

This CVE relates to a vulnerability in Redmine that could be exploited by attackers to circumvent certain permission requirements.

What is CVE-2021-30164?

The CVE-2021-30164 vulnerability in Redmine versions prior to 4.0.8 and 4.1.x before 4.1.2 enables malicious actors to bypass the add_issue_notes permission control through manipulation of the Issues API.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30164

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthorized individuals to add issue notes without the necessary permission, potentially leading to unauthorized access or modification of sensitive information within Redmine instances.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30164

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows threat actors to bypass the add_issue_notes permission requirement in Redmine, leading to unauthorized access to issue notes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Redmine versions before 4.0.8 and 4.1.x before 4.1.2 are vulnerable to this exploit, emphasizing the importance of updating to the latest secure versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the Issues API in vulnerable Redmine instances, attackers could manipulate the system to add issue notes without the necessary permissions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-30164, immediate action is required to address this vulnerability and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Redmine users are strongly advised to update their installations to versions 4.0.8 or 4.1.2 to mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, regular security assessments, and user permission reviews can enhance the overall security posture of Redmine instances.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Redmine is crucial to staying protected against known vulnerabilities such as CVE-2021-30164.