CVE-2021-41770 : What You Need to Know

Ping Identity PingFederate before 10.3.1 mishandles pre-parsing validation, leading to an XXE attack that can achieve XML file disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-41770

Ping Identity credited An Trinh of Calif. for responsibly disclosing the vulnerability in PingFederate.

What is CVE-2021-41770?

This CVE refers to the mishandling of pre-parsing validation in PingFederate, allowing for an XXE attack that can lead to XML file disclosure.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41770

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to disclose sensitive XML files, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41770

Ping Identity's PingFederate is affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

PingFederate before version 10.3.1 fails to properly validate pre-parsing, enabling malicious actors to conduct XXE attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Ping Identity PingFederate
Versions affected: Before 10.3.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability through XXE attacks, allowing them to disclose XML files containing sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to safeguard systems against CVE-2021-41770.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update PingFederate to version 10.3.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Implement network controls to restrict unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities promptly.
Educate employees on secure coding practices and the importance of validating input data.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Ping Identity and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.