CVE-2021-37540 in JetBrains
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2021
In JetBrains Hub before 2021.1.13262, a potentially insufficient CSP for the Widget deployment feature was used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-37540 affects JetBrains Hub versions prior to 2021.1.13262, specifically targeting the Widget deployment feature's content security policy implementation. This weakness stems from an inadequate content security policy configuration that fails to properly restrict the execution of scripts and other potentially malicious content within the widget framework. The issue represents a significant security gap in the application's defense mechanisms, particularly when considering how widgets are deployed and executed within the platform's interface.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient content security policy directives that allow for the execution of arbitrary scripts from untrusted sources. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient content security policy implementation, which is classified as CWE-1021 by the CWE standard. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially inject malicious code through widget deployments, creating a vector for cross-site scripting attacks and other malicious activities that could compromise the integrity of the platform and its users' data. The inadequate CSP configuration means that the platform does not properly validate or restrict the sources from which scripts can be loaded, executed, or embedded within the widget framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges, steal session tokens, or manipulate user data within the JetBrains Hub environment. When widgets are deployed, they often have elevated privileges and can interact with the underlying platform's APIs and user interfaces. This creates a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or manipulate the platform's functionality. The vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks and T1531 for manipulation of the execution environment, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where JetBrains Hub is used for collaboration and project management.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing a robust content security policy that restricts script execution to trusted sources only, including the use of strict CSP headers that prevent inline script execution and restrict external resource loading. Organizations should immediately update to JetBrains Hub version 2021.1.13262 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the insufficient CSP implementation. Additionally, administrators should regularly audit widget deployments and implement proper access controls to limit who can create or modify widgets within the platform. The implementation of a comprehensive security monitoring solution that can detect anomalous widget behavior or unauthorized script execution patterns should also be considered as part of a layered defense approach. Security teams should also review and validate all existing content security policies to ensure they properly protect against similar vulnerabilities in other components of the platform.