CVE-2021-32751

Public Exploit
Arbitrary code execution via specially crafted environment variables

Description

Gradle is a build tool with a focus on build automation. In versions prior to 7.2, start scripts generated by the `application` plugin and the `gradlew` script are both vulnerable to arbitrary code execution when an attacker is able to change environment variables for the user running the script. This may impact those who use `gradlew` on Unix-like systems or use the scripts generated by Gradle in thieir application on Unix-like systems. For this vulnerability to be exploitable, an attacker needs to be able to set the value of particular environment variables and have those environment variables be seen by the vulnerable scripts. This issue has been patched in Gradle 7.2 by removing the use of `eval` and requiring the use of the `bash` shell. There are a few workarounds available. For CI/CD systems using the Gradle build tool, one may ensure that untrusted users are unable to change environment variables for the user that executes `gradlew`. If one is unable to upgrade to Gradle 7.2, one may generate a new `gradlew` script with Gradle 7.2 and use it for older versions of Gradle. Fpplications using start scripts generated by Gradle, one may ensure that untrusted users are unable to change environment variables for the user that executes the start script. A vulnerable start script could be manually patched to remove the use of `eval` or the use of environment variables that affect the application's command-line. If the application is simple enough, one may be able to avoid the use of the start scripts by running the application directly with Java command.

Category

7.5
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.26%
Third-Party Advisory github.com Third-Party Advisory medium.com Third-Party Advisory wooledge.org
Affected: gradle gradle
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2021-32751?
CVE-2021-32751 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2021-32751?
To fix CVE-2021-32751, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2021-32751 being actively exploited in the wild?
It is possible that CVE-2021-32751 is being exploited or will be exploited in a near future based on public information. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2021-32751?
CVE-2021-32751 affects gradle gradle.
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