CVE-2021-41619
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-41619 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Gradle Enterprise that allows attackers with administrative access to execute arbitrary commands on the host system via Java Virtual Machine startup options. This affects Gradle Enterprise administrators who can modify application startup configuration. The vulnerability leverages the -XX:OnOutOfMemoryError JVM option to run malicious commands.
💻 Affected Systems
- Gradle Enterprise
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining root/administrator privileges on the host, allowing data theft, lateral movement, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from administrative application access to host-level command execution, potentially leading to data exfiltration or service disruption.
If Mitigated
Limited to application-level impact if administrative access is properly restricted and monitored.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires administrative credentials but is straightforward once access is obtained. The attack vector is well-documented in the advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2021.1.2 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.gradle.com/advisory/2021-08
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup current configuration. 2. Download Gradle Enterprise 2021.1.2 or later from official sources. 3. Follow upgrade instructions at https://docs.gradle.com/enterprise/installation/. 4. Restart the Gradle Enterprise service.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Administrative Access
allLimit administrative access to Gradle Enterprise configuration interface to only essential personnel using network segmentation and strong authentication.
Monitor Configuration Changes
allImplement logging and alerting for changes to JVM startup options in Gradle Enterprise configuration.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to administrative interface with multi-factor authentication
- Monitor and audit all configuration changes to JVM startup options
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Gradle Enterprise version via admin interface or by examining installation directory. Versions before 2021.1.2 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check admin dashboard or run: gradle-enterprise --version (if CLI available)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 2021.1.2 or later and test that JVM startup options cannot be used to execute arbitrary commands.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual JVM startup option modifications
- Administrative login from unexpected locations
- Commands executed via -XX:OnOutOfMemoryError
Network Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to administrative endpoints
- Unusual outbound connections from Gradle Enterprise host
SIEM Query:
source="gradle-enterprise" AND (event="config_change" OR event="admin_login")