CVE-2021-41588 : Security Advisory and Response

In Gradle Enterprise before 2021.1.3, a crafted request can trigger deserialization of arbitrary unsafe Java objects. The attacker must have the encryption and signing keys.

Understanding CVE-2021-41588

In this CVE, a vulnerability exists in Gradle Enterprise that could lead to the deserialization of unsafe Java objects under specific conditions.

What is CVE-2021-41588?

CVE-2021-41588 is a security flaw in Gradle Enterprise that allows malicious actors to trigger the deserialization of unauthorized Java objects through a specially crafted request. The attacker must possess the encryption and signing keys to exploit this vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41588

This vulnerability could result in remote code execution, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized actions on the affected system, leading to data breaches and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41588

The technical aspects of the CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Affected Version: Gradle Enterprise before 2021.1.3
Attack Vector: Crafted request triggering deserialization

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Gradle Enterprise
Versions: All versions before 2021.1.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the flaw by sending specially crafted requests to the vulnerable system, triggering the deserialization of malicious Java objects.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-41588, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Gradle Enterprise version 2021.1.3 or later
Rotate encryption and signing keys

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement code review practices to detect serialization vulnerabilities
Regularly update and patch software components

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Gradle Enterprise to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.