CVE-2021-21701 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Jenkins Performance Plugin version 3.20 and earlier are vulnerable to XML external entity (XXE) attacks due to a misconfiguration in the XML parser.

Understanding CVE-2021-21701

This CVE relates to a security issue in the Jenkins Performance Plugin.

What is CVE-2021-21701?

CVE-2021-21701 is a vulnerability in Jenkins Performance Plugin versions 3.20 and earlier that allows for XML external entity (XXE) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21701

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to launch XXE attacks, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure or denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21701

The technical details of CVE-2021-21701 include:

Vulnerability Description

Jenkins Performance Plugin version 3.20 and earlier do not properly configure their XML parser, making them susceptible to XXE attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include Jenkins servers with Jenkins Performance Plugin versions <= 3.20.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious XML entities to trigger unwanted behaviors.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-21701, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Jenkins Performance Plugin to a non-vulnerable version.
Monitor for any unusual activities that may indicate an exploitation attempt.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices and regularly update plugins and software components to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.