CVE-2021-42560 : What You Need to Know

An issue in CALDERA 2.9.0 allows for XXE attacks via unsafe parsing of base64 encoded SVG parameters.

Understanding CVE-2021-42560

What is CVE-2021-42560?

The vulnerability in CALDERA 2.9.0 enables XXE attacks through unsafe parsing of base64 encoded SVG parameters, leading to potential exploits like File Exfiltration and Server Side Request Forgery.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42560

The vulnerability can be leveraged for serious attacks such as File Exfiltration, Server Side Request Forgery, and Out of Band Exfiltration, endangering the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42560

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises in CALDERA 2.9.0 with the Debrief plugin processing base64 encoded SVG parameters for PDF generation, which are susceptible to XXE attacks due to insecure parsing methods.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: CALDERA 2.9.0
Affected Versions: All

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious base64 encoded SVG parameters to trigger XXE attacks, enabling data exfiltration and other malicious activities.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update CALDERA to the latest version available
Implement input validation to sanitize user-supplied inputs
Restrict access to vulnerable endpoints to authorized personnel

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit system logs for suspicious activities
Conduct security training for employees on identifying and reporting potential security threats

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and security updates promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance system security