CVE-2021-33813 is a high-severity vulnerability found in the Apache JDOM library, specifically an XML External Entity (XXE) issue within SAXBuilder. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted HTTP request. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high severity level, which means organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential exploitation.
The risk to organizations includes significant downtime, as the denial of service can disrupt critical services and operations. As this vulnerability is network-exploitable with low complexity, it poses a serious risk that could lead to operational impacts if not addressed promptly.
Currently, there is no known exploit available in the wild, and the vulnerability is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, organizations should remain vigilant and ensure that they are using updated versions of affected products.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations using affected versions should schedule remediation as soon as possible to minimize any potential exposure.
Vulnerability Details
An XXE issue in SAXBuilder in JDOM through version 2.0.6 allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted HTTP request. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-611, which pertains to improper restriction of XML external entity reference.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high severity. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, with low complexity and no authentication required. The impact on availability is high, while confidentiality and integrity are not impacted.
Affected products include JDOM, Apache Solr (versions 8.8.1 and 8.9), Apache Tika (version 1.25), and various Linux distributions such as Debian and Fedora. The vulnerability was published on June 16, 2021.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-33813 lies in the SAXBuilder implementation within the JDOM library, which fails to properly handle XML external entities, allowing attackers to manipulate the XML parsing process. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network, requiring no privileged access or user interaction.
Given the low attack complexity and lack of required privileges, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability with minimal effort. The impact on availability is high, as successful exploitation can lead to denial of service conditions.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing affected versions of JDOM, Apache Solr, Apache Tika, and specific Linux distributions face real-world deployment risks. The potential for denial of service means that critical applications could be rendered unavailable, impacting business operations significantly.
With high availability impact, organizations must recognize the urgency of addressing this vulnerability. The CVSS score indicates a pressing need for immediate remediation, and organizations should assess their exposure based on the use of affected products in production environments.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions are affected by CVE-2021-33813: JDOM versions up to 2.0.6, Apache Solr versions 8.8.1 and 8.9, Apache Tika version 1.25, and various Linux distributions including Debian 9.0 and Fedora 35. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems immediately. For JDOM, upgrade to version 2.0.7 or later. Additionally, ensure that Apache Solr and Apache Tika are updated to their latest stable releases. Regularly review and apply security patches from vendors to maintain system integrity.
Network controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable services. Organizations can also conduct security assessments to identify potential risks associated with this vulnerability. For comprehensive security evaluations, consider services such as penetration testing to further strengthen defenses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2021-33813, organizations should monitor logs for abnormal patterns, such as unusual XML parsing requests or unexpected HTTP traffic to vulnerable services. Additionally, implementing network signatures to identify malicious payloads can help in early detection.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-33813 highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the risks associated with improper XML handling. Organizations should focus on training development teams on secure coding and regularly conduct code reviews. For additional insights on application security, consider resources such as the secure coding practices guide and the penetration testing methodology to enhance your organization’s overall security posture.
Furthermore, organizations should be aware of the ongoing trends in vulnerabilities by reviewing detailed analyses such as the vulnerability management program to stay informed and prepared against emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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