CVE-2021-26291: block repositories using http by default
A flaw was found in maven. Repositories that are defined in a dependency’s Project Object Model (pom), which may be unknown to users, are used by default resulting in potential risk if a malicious actor takes over that repository or is able to insert themselves into a position to pretend to be that repository. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity.
Other sources
Apache Maven will follow repositories that are defined in a dependency’s Project Object Model (pom) which may be surprising to some users, resulting in potential risk if a malicious actor takes over that repository or is able to insert themselves into a position to pretend to be that repository. Maven is changing the default behavior in 3.8.1+ to no longer follow http (non-SSL) repository references by default. If you are currently using a repository manager to govern the repositories used by your builds, you are unaffected by the risks present in the legacy behavior, and are unaffected by this vulnerability and change to default behavior.
References:
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r9a027668558264c4897633e66bcb7784099fdec9f9b22c38c2442f00%40%3Cusers.maven.apache.org%3E https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r06db4057b74e0598a412734f693a34a8836ac6f06d16d139e5e1027c@%3Cdev.maven.apache.org%3E https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r9a027668558264c4897633e66bcb7784099fdec9f9b22c38c2442f00@%3Cusers.maven.apache.org%3E http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/04/23/5 https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r0556ce5db7231025785477739ee416b169d8aff5ee9bac7854d64736@%3Cannounce.apache.org%3E https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/ra88a0eba7f84658cefcecc0143fd8bbad52c229ee5dfcbfdde7b6457@%3Cdev.jena.apache.org%3E https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r3f0450dcab7e63b5f233ccfbc6fca5f1867a75c8aa2493ea82732381@%3Cdev.jena.apache.org%3E
— Red Hat
Apache Maven will follow repositories that are defined in a dependency’s Project Object Model (pom) which may be surprising to some users, resulting in potential risk if a malicious actor takes over that repository or is able to insert themselves into a position to pretend to be that repository. Maven is changing the default behavior in 3.8.1+ to no longer follow http (non-SSL) repository references by default. More details available in the referenced urls. If you are currently using a repository manager to govern the repositories used by your builds, you are unaffected by the risks present in the legacy behavior, and are unaffected by this vulnerability and change to default behavior. See this link for more information about repository management: https://maven.apache.org/repository-management.html
block repositories using http by default
— Microsoft
FasterXML Jackson Core is vulnerable to a denial of service, caused by improper input validation by the StreamReadConstraints value field. By sending a specially-crafted request, a remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause the application to crash.
— IBM
Affected Software
Remediation
Patch Available
Information
Event History
Parent advisories
This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2021-26291?
CVE-2021-26291 is a vulnerability found in Apache Maven that allows a malicious actor to take over repositories defined in a dependency's Project Object Model (POM).
How does CVE-2021-26291 impact users?
CVE-2021-26291 can result in potential risk if a malicious actor takes over a repository or pretends to be a repository.
What is the severity of CVE-2021-26291?
The severity of CVE-2021-26291 is critical with a CVSS score of 9.1.
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2021-26291?
Apache Maven versions up to and excluding 3.8.1 are affected by CVE-2021-26291.
How can I fix CVE-2021-26291?
To fix CVE-2021-26291, upgrade to Apache Maven version 3.8.1 or later.