CVE-2021-28790 : What You Need to Know

A security vulnerability, CVE-2021-28790, impacts the unofficial SwiftLint extension before version 1.4.5 for Visual Studio Code. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by crafting a malicious workspace.

Understanding CVE-2021-28790

CVE-2021-28790 is a critical security flaw in the SwiftLint extension for Visual Studio Code that can be exploited by remote attackers to run unauthorized code.

What is CVE-2021-28790?

The unofficial SwiftLint extension before version 1.4.5 for Visual Studio Code is vulnerable to a remote code execution attack. By creating a specially designed workspace with a manipulated swiftlint.path configuration value, attackers can trigger code execution upon opening the workspace.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28790

This vulnerability poses a severe risk as it allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on a victim's system. Attackers can exploit this flaw to carry out various malicious activities, compromising the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28790

The technical details of CVE-2021-28790 provide insights into the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The security flaw in the unofficial SwiftLint extension enables attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the swiftlint.path configuration value within a crafted workspace.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE impacts the unofficial SwiftLint extension before version 1.4.5 specifically designed for Visual Studio Code.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious workspace with a specially crafted swiftlint.path configuration that triggers code execution upon opening the workspace.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2021-28790 requires immediate action to prevent potential exploitation and enhance the overall security posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the unofficial SwiftLint extension to version 1.4.5 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. It is crucial to avoid opening untrusted workspaces to prevent potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing secure coding habits, regularly updating software, and following security best practices can help reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for extensions and tools used in your development environment. Regularly monitoring for patches and promptly applying updates is essential to protect against known vulnerabilities.