CVE-2021-45096 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

KNIME Analytics Platform before 4.5.0 is vulnerable to XXE (external XML entity injection) via a crafted workflow file (.knwf), aka AP-17730.

Understanding CVE-2021-45096

What is CVE-2021-45096?

CVE-2021-45096 involves a vulnerability in the KNIME Analytics Platform before version 4.5.0, making it susceptible to XXE (external XML entity injection) through specially crafted workflow files (.knwf).

The Impact of CVE-2021-45096

The vulnerability can be exploited to perform attacks like data theft, server-side request forgery (SSRF), or denial of service (DoS) through malicious XML entities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45096

Vulnerability Description

The issue allows threat actors to manipulate XML content within workflow files, potentially leading to unauthorized information disclosure or manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: All versions prior to 4.5.0 are impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by injecting malicious XML entities into the workflow file, which are processed unsafely within the KNIME Analytics Platform.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update KNIME Analytics Platform to version 4.5.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Exercise caution when handling workflow files, especially from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly educate users on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Implement proper input validation and secure XML processing mechanisms.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to address known vulnerabilities in the software.