CVE-2021-41038 : Security Advisory and Response

In versions of the @theia/plugin-ext component of Eclipse Theia prior to 1.18.0, Webview contents can be hijacked via postMessage().

Understanding CVE-2021-41038

This vulnerability affects the @theia/plugin-ext component of Eclipse Theia, allowing for potential hijacking of Webview contents.

What is CVE-2021-41038?

CVE-2021-41038 is a vulnerability in the @theia/plugin-ext component of Eclipse Theia that permits the hijacking of Webview contents using postMessage().

The Impact of CVE-2021-41038

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate Webview contents, leading to potential security breaches and data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41038

The following technical details outline the specifics of CVE-2021-41038.

Vulnerability Description

In versions of the @theia/plugin-ext component of Eclipse Theia prior to 1.18.0, an attacker can misuse postMessage() to gain control over Webview contents.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: @theia/plugin-ext
Vendor: The Eclipse Foundation
Versions Affected: < 1.18.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted postMessage() calls to the Webview.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your systems against CVE-2021-41038.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update @theia/plugin-ext to version 1.18.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor Webview contents for any unusual behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update components and libraries to ensure security patches are applied promptly.
Educate developers on secure coding practices and the risks associated with insecure postMessage() usage.

Patching and Updates

Update Eclipse Theia to version 1.18.0 or above to patch the vulnerability.