CVE-2021-33813 : Security Advisory and Response

An XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability exists in SAXBuilder in JDOM up to version 2.0.6, allowing malicious actors to launch denial of service attacks through specially crafted HTTP requests.

Understanding CVE-2021-33813

This vulnerability in JDOM library can be leveraged by attackers to execute denial of service attacks.

What is CVE-2021-33813?

CVE-2021-33813 is an XXE issue in SAXBuilder in JDOM through version 2.0.6 that can be exploited by threat actors to cause denial of service via crafted HTTP requests.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33813

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables attackers to disrupt services and possibly lead to system downtime.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33813

The following technical aspects are associated with CVE-2021-33813:

Vulnerability Description

An XXE vulnerability in SAXBuilder in JDOM up to version 2.0.6 allows for the initiation of denial of service conditions by attackers utilizing specifically manipulated HTTP requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of JDOM up to 2.0.6 are impacted by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious entities can trigger the vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to the affected system, exploiting the XXE flaw in JDOM.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-33813, the following steps should be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update JDOM library to the latest version to mitigate the XXE vulnerability.
Employ network-level defenses to filter out malicious HTTP requests targeting the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and apply patches promptly.
Conduct security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

It is vital to stay informed about security updates related to JDOM and promptly apply patches to protect systems from potential exploitation of CVE-2021-33813.