Implement a security framework

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 57 views

Introduction

In the world of software development, security vulnerabilities can have devastating consequences. One such vulnerability, CVE-2021-21350, has been detected in the xstream-1.4.5.jar library, a popular Java serialization library. In this article, we will delve into the details of this vulnerability, its impact, and the suggested fix to ensure the security of your applications.

CVE-2021-21350: A Medium Severity Vulnerability

Vulnerable Library - xstream-1.4.5.jar

XStream is a powerful Java library used for serializing objects to XML and back again. Its ease of use and flexibility have made it a popular choice among developers. However, as with any software, vulnerabilities can arise, and in this case, CVE-2021-21350 is a medium severity vulnerability that affects the xstream-1.4.5.jar library.

Vulnerability Details

XStream before version 1.4.16 contains a vulnerability that may allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the processed input stream. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited without any user interaction, making it a significant security risk.

Publish Date and URL

The vulnerability was published on March 22, 2021, and can be found in the Mend.io vulnerability database with the ID CVE-2021-21350.

Dependency Hierarchy

The vulnerable library, xstream-1.4.5.jar, is found in the HEAD commit of the SAST-Test-Repo-7732ec3f-4808-4b2f-906a-61b2b30d0618 repository. It is also present in the main branch.

Found in

The vulnerability was found in the HEAD commit and the main branch of the SAST-Test-Repo-7732ec3f-4808-4b2f-906a-61b2b30d0618 repository.

CVSS 3 Score Details

CVSS 3 Score

The CVSS 3 score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating a medium severity risk.

Base Score Metrics

Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: High
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Unchanged

Impact Metrics

Confidentiality Impact: None
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: None

For more information on CVSS3 scores, please visit the First.org website.

Suggested Fix

Type: Upgrade version

The suggested fix for this vulnerability is to upgrade the version of the xstream library to at least 1.4.16. This version includes a security framework that can help prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Origin

The suggested fix was provided by the x-stream/xstream security team on March 22, 2021.

Release Date

The fix was released on March 22, 2021.

Fix Resolution

The fix resolution is to upgrade to version 1.4.16.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CVE-2021-21350 is a medium severity vulnerability that affects the xstream-1.4.5.jar library. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code, making it a significant security risk. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is essential to upgrade the version of the xstream library to at least 1.4.16. By taking this step, you can ensure the security of your applications and prevent potential attacks.

Recommendations

Upgrade to version 1.4.16: The suggested fix is to upgrade the version of the xstream library to at least 1.4.16.
Monitor for updates: Regularly monitor for updates and patches to ensure that your applications are secure.
Implement a security framework: Implement a security framework to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the CVE-2021-21350 vulnerability detected in the xstream-1.4.5.jar library. This vulnerability can have significant consequences if left unaddressed. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this vulnerability and provide guidance on how to mitigate it.

Q: What is CVE-2021-21350?

A: CVE-2021-21350 is a medium severity vulnerability detected in the xstream-1.4.5.jar library. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code, making it a significant security risk.

Q: What is the impact of this vulnerability?

A: The impact of this vulnerability is that a remote attacker can execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or system compromise.

Q: How can I determine if my application is affected by this vulnerability?

A: To determine if your application is affected by this vulnerability, you can follow these steps:

Check the version of the xstream library used in your application.
If the version is 1.4.5 or earlier, your application is likely affected.
Check the dependency hierarchy of your application to ensure that the vulnerable library is not being used.

Q: What is the suggested fix for this vulnerability?

A: The suggested fix for this vulnerability is to upgrade the version of the xstream library to at least 1.4.16. This version includes a security framework that can help prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Q: How can I upgrade the xstream library in my application?

A: To upgrade the xstream library in your application, follow these steps:

Update the version of the xstream library in your project's pom.xml file.
Run the Maven build to update the dependencies.
Test your application to ensure that it is working as expected.

Q: What are the benefits of upgrading to version 1.4.16?

A: Upgrading to version 1.4.16 provides several benefits, including:

Improved security: The new version includes a security framework that can help prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Enhanced performance: The new version includes performance improvements that can enhance the overall performance of your application.
Compatibility: The new version is compatible with a wide range of platforms and frameworks.

Q: What are the risks of not upgrading to version 1.4.16?

A: The risks of not upgrading to version 1.4.16 include:

Security risks: Failing to upgrade to the latest version can leave your application vulnerable to attacks.
Performance issues: Using an outdated version can lead to performance issues and decreased application stability.
Compatibility problems: Using an outdated version can lead to compatibility problems with newer platforms and frameworks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CVE-2021-21350 is a medium severity vulnerability detected in the xstream-1.4.5.jar library. This vulnerability can have significant consequences if left unaddressed. By upgrading to version 1.4.16, you can ensure the security and stability of your application. We hope this Q&A article has provided you with the information you need to address this vulnerability.

Recommendations

Upgrade to version 1.4.16: The suggested fix is to upgrade the version of the xstream library to at least 1.4.16.
Monitor for updates: Regularly monitor for updates and patches to ensure that your applications are secure.
Implement a security framework: Implement a security framework to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure the security and stability of your application and prevent potential attacks.