CVE-2021-41042 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Eclipse Lyo versions 1.0.0 to 4.1.0 are vulnerable to an issue that could allow an attacker to retrieve external DTDs when working with RDF/XML.

Understanding CVE-2021-41042

In this section, we will explore the specifics of CVE-2021-41042.

What is CVE-2021-41042?

In versions 1.0.0 to 4.1.0 of Eclipse Lyo, a vulnerability exists where a TransformerFactory is initialized with insecure defaults, enabling attackers to retrieve external DTDs.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41042

The CVSS base score for this vulnerability is 4.9, indicating a moderate severity level. Attackers can exploit this issue to retrieve external DTDs, potentially leading to various forms of attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41042

Let's delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-41042.

Vulnerability Description

A TransformerFactory in affected Eclipse Lyo versions is initialized without proper DTD loading restrictions when processing RDF/XML, enabling the retrieval of external DTDs.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Eclipse Lyo
Vendor: The Eclipse Foundation
Vulnerable Versions: 1.0.0 to 4.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows an attacker to craft malicious RDF/XML payloads that trigger the retrieval of external DTDs, potentially leading to various attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Let's look at the steps to mitigate and prevent this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Eclipse Lyo to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability.
Restrict network access for systems running vulnerable versions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and apply security patches for all software components.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest security patches provided by The Eclipse Foundation to ensure the mitigation of CVE-2021-41042.