CVE-2021-21624 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides details about CVE-2021-21624, a vulnerability in the Jenkins Role-based Authorization Strategy Plugin that allows unauthorized access to nested items.

Understanding CVE-2021-21624

This section delves into the vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-21624 in the Jenkins Role-based Authorization Strategy Plugin.

What is CVE-2021-21624?

CVE-2021-21624 is an incorrect permission check in the Jenkins Role-based Authorization Strategy Plugin 3.1 and earlier, permitting attackers with Item/Read permission on nested items to access them without the necessary permissions for parent folders.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21624

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data within the Jenkins Role-based Authorization Strategy Plugin, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21624

This section provides technical insights into CVE-2021-21624, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an incorrect permission check in the Jenkins Role-based Authorization Strategy Plugin 3.1 and earlier, allowing users with Item/Read permission on nested items to access them, even lacking permission for the parent folders.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Jenkins Role-based Authorization Strategy Plugin versions up to and including 3.1 are affected by CVE-2021-21624, exposing them to the security flaw described.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves leveraging the incorrect permission verification to gain unauthorized access to nested items despite lacking the necessary permissions for parent folders.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2021-21624, it is crucial to take immediate steps, establish long-term security practices, and prioritize patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should review and update permissions within the Jenkins Role-based Authorization Strategy Plugin, ensuring that only authorized users have access to specific items.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should enforce the principle of least privilege, regularly review and update access permissions, and educate users on best security practices.

Patching and Updates

It is recommended to promptly apply patches and updates provided by Jenkins to address CVE-2021-21624 and strengthen the security posture of the system.