CVE-2021-28791 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security vulnerability, CVE-2021-28791, has been identified in the unofficial SwiftFormat extension before version 1.3.7 for Visual Studio Code. This vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting a specific configuration.

Understanding CVE-2021-28791

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2021-28791 to provide a comprehensive understanding of the security issue.

What is CVE-2021-28791?

The vulnerability in the unofficial SwiftFormat extension before version 1.3.7 for Visual Studio Code enables malicious actors to trigger the execution of arbitrary code by setting up a workspace with a manipulated swiftformat.path configuration value, leading to code execution upon workspace opening.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28791

With this vulnerability, remote attackers can potentially compromise the security of systems that have the affected extension installed. By exploiting this flaw, threat actors could execute unauthorized code on the targeted system, posing a serious security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28791

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-28791, covering vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the SwiftFormat extension allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the configuration of the swiftformat.path parameter within a specific workspace, leading to the execution of unauthorized commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2021-28791 vulnerability impacts the unofficial SwiftFormat extension before version 1.3.7 for Visual Studio Code, making systems with this extension vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious workspace with a specially designed swiftformat.path configuration, threat actors can create a scenario where arbitrary code execution occurs upon opening the compromised workspace.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines essential steps to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2021-28791, including immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the SwiftFormat extension to version 1.3.7 or later to patch the vulnerability. Additionally, exercise caution when opening workspaces from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, maintain regular updates for extensions and applications, practice secure coding habits, and maintain awareness of potential threats in the software development environment.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to the SwiftFormat extension and promptly apply patches or updates provided by the official vendor to address known vulnerabilities.