CVE-2021-41588 in Gradle
Summary
by MITRE • 09/24/2021
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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41588 represents a critical deserialization flaw within Gradle Enterprise versions prior to 2021.1.3. This weakness occurs when the system processes crafted requests that trigger the deserialization of unsafe Java objects, creating a potential attack vector for remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires authentication through encryption and signing keys, which suggests that attackers would need to have compromised credentials or access to specific security materials within the system. The technical nature of this flaw places it within the realm of object deserialization vulnerabilities that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and commonly classified under CWE-502. The attack surface is expanded when considering that Gradle Enterprise serves as a centralized build infrastructure platform where multiple development teams and projects may be integrated, potentially allowing for widespread impact if exploited successfully.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to build environments and potentially compromise the integrity of the entire software supply chain. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can manipulate the build process to inject malicious code into software artifacts, affecting not only the immediate build environment but also downstream dependencies and deployments. The requirement for encryption and signing keys adds a layer of complexity to the attack scenario, as it suggests that the vulnerability may be more relevant in environments where these keys are not properly secured or where access controls are insufficient. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 which covers credential access through the use of stolen credentials or compromised keys. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker with these keys to escalate their privileges within the Gradle Enterprise system, potentially gaining access to sensitive build configurations, source code repositories, and other critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-41588 should focus on immediate version upgrades to Gradle Enterprise 2021.1.3 or later, which contain patches addressing the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should also implement robust key management practices to prevent unauthorized access to encryption and signing keys, including regular rotation of credentials and implementation of multi-factor authentication for key access. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in build system communications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure deserialization practices and aligns with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten A08:2021 - Insecure Deserialization, which emphasizes the need for proper input validation and secure object deserialization mechanisms. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of their build environments to identify any potential compromise or unauthorized access to signing keys, while implementing continuous monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in build processes. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing build integrity checks and artifact verification mechanisms to ensure that software artifacts have not been tampered with during the build process, thereby reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation.