CVE-2021-29428: Gradle privilege escalation (CVSS 8.8)

Description

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property `java.io.tmpdir`. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorLocal

Attack complexityLow

Privileges requiredLow

User interactionNone

ScopeChanged

ConfidentialityHigh

IntegrityHigh

AvailabilityHigh

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

Gradle< 7.0

Quarkus≤ 2.2.3

Remediation

Fixed in

Gradle≥ 7.0

Patch & vendor advisories

References

https://docs.gradle.org/7.0/release-notes.html#security-advisoriesRelease NotesVendor Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/pull/15240PatchThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/pull/15654PatchThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/gradle/gradle/security/advisories/GHSA-89qm-pxvm-p336ExploitThird Party Advisory

Related CVEs

Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2021-29428 being actively exploited?

CVE-2021-29428 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.54%.

How severe is CVE-2021-29428?

CVE-2021-29428 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, rated high. EPSS estimates a 0.54% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2021-29428?

Affected products include Gradle, Quarkus.

How do I fix CVE-2021-29428?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Gradle 7.0 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-29428 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

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