CVE-2021-21373 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-21373 affecting Nimble package manager for Nim programming language. Explore impact, vulnerability, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
Nimble, a package manager for the Nim programming language, is affected by CVE-2021-21373 due to insecure fallback behavior when fetching packages over HTTP. This vulnerability allows an attacker to potentially execute untrusted code on affected systems.
Understanding CVE-2021-21373
This CVE affects Nimble versions prior to 1.2.10 and 1.4.4, exposing users to the risk of malicious package installation via man-in-the-middle attacks.
What is CVE-2021-21373?
Nimble defaults to fetching package lists over HTTP in case of HTTPS errors, potentially allowing attackers to deliver compromised packages for execution.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21373
The vulnerability poses a high severity risk with the potential for untrusted code execution, requiring user interaction but no privileges, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21373
CVE-2021-21373 is categorized under CWE-348 - Use of Less Trusted Source. The vulnerability's CVSS score is 7.5, indicating high severity with a requirement for network access and a high attack complexity.
Vulnerability Description
Nimble's insecure fallback to HTTP for package retrieval can lead to the installation of malicious software packages via man-in-the-middle attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
Versions below 1.2.10 and versions between 1.4.0 and 1.4.4 of Nimble are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by intercepting HTTP package requests and delivering compromised packages for execution on vulnerable systems.
Mitigation and Prevention
To secure systems against CVE-2021-21373, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update Nimble to versions 1.2.10 or 1.4.4 to mitigate the risk of package tampering over insecure HTTP connections.
Long-Term Security Practices
Employing HTTPS for package retrieval and regularly updating to the latest secure versions of software helps prevent such security risks.
Patching and Updates
Refer to advisories and sources provided by Nim programming language maintainers to stay informed about security patches and updates.