CVE-2021-21623: Matrix auth Incorrect Permission Checks Vulnerability
MODERATECVE-2021-21623 is a MODERATE (CVSS 6.5) incorrect permission checks vulnerability (CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization) affecting Matrix auth libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves incorrect permission checks in jenkins matrix authorization strategy plugin may allow accessing some items. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 2.6.6.
CVE-2021-21623 at a Glance
Security Impact
CVSS: 6.5
The security impact metrics below are parsed directly from the CVSS v3.1 vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
How to Fix CVE-2021-21623
To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Matrix auth dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.
<dependency>
<groupId>org.jenkins-ci.plugins</groupId>
<artifactId>matrix-auth</artifactId>
<version>2.6.6</version>
</dependency>Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release:
mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.jenkins-ci.pluginsHow to Check if You Are Affected
To determine whether your Java application is affected by CVE-2021-21623, inspect your build dependencies using the Maven Dependency Plugin:
mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.jenkins-ci.pluginsAnalyze the terminal output to locate any version of Matrix auth in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 2.6.6), your application is affected.
Note: The mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.jenkins-ci.plugins command inspects the resolved dependency graph declared in your project's POM files; it does not perform automated security scanning or inspect runtime dynamic classpaths. Always verify runtime container classpaths and shaded JARs.
Technical Details
Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization, where the product performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, but it does not correctly perform the check. In Matrix auth, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.
Source Advisory Statement
CVE-2021-21623 Affected Matrix auth Versions
1 component(s)| Product / Package | Ecosystem | Affected Versions | Fixed Version |
|---|---|---|---|
|
org.jenkins-ci.plugins:matrix-auth
|
Maven |
< 2.6.6
|
2.6.6
|
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2021-21623?
Which Matrix auth versions are affected?
What version fixes CVE-2021-21623?
Is matrix-auth affected?
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-21623?
What CWE is associated with CVE-2021-21623?
How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2021-21623?
Machine-readable OSV JSON
OSV v1.5 Schema
{
"schema_version" : "1.4.0",
"id" : "GHSA-96jw-3xw4-mq9p",
"modified" : "2023-10-27T13:38:22Z",
"published" : "2022-05-24T17:44:47Z",
"aliases" : [ "CVE-2021-21623" ],
"summary" : "Incorrect permission checks in Jenkins Matrix Authorization Strategy Plugin may allow accessing some items",
"details" : "Items (like jobs) can be organized hierarchically in Jenkins, using the Folders Plugin or something similar. An item is expected to be accessible only if all its ancestors are accessible as well.\n\nMatrix Authorization Strategy Plugin 2.6.5 and earlier does not correctly perform permission checks to determine whether an item should be accessible.\n\nThis allows attackers with Item/Read permission on nested items to access them, even if they lack Item/Read permission for parent folders.\\n\\nMatrix Authorization Strategy Plugin 2.6.6 requires Item/Read permission on parent items to grant Item/Read permission on an individual item.\n\nAs a workaround in older releases, do not grant permissions on individual items to users who do not have access to parent items.\n\nIn case of problems, the [Java system property](https://www.jenkins.io/doc/book/managing/system-properties/) `hudson.security.AuthorizationMatrixProperty.checkParentPermissions` can be set to false, completely disabling this fix.",
"severity" : [ {
"type" : "CVSS_V3",
"score" : "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N"
} ],
"affected" : [ {
"package" : {
"ecosystem" : "Maven",
"name" : "org.jenkins-ci.plugins:matrix-auth"
},
"ranges" : [ {
"type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
"events" : [ {
"introduced" : "0"
}, {
"fixed" : "2.6.6"
} ]
} ],
"database_specific" : {
"last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 2.6.5"
}
} ],
"references" : [ {
"type" : "ADVISORY",
"url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-21623"
}, {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "https://github.com/jenkinsci/matrix-auth-plugin/commit/bbe358575155912b818ab3c6e8b9623f21ad3418"
}, {
"type" : "PACKAGE",
"url" : "https://github.com/jenkinsci/matrix-auth-plugin"
}, {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "https://www.jenkins.io/security/advisory/2021-03-18/#SECURITY-2180"
}, {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/03/18/5"
} ],
"database_specific" : {
"cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-863" ],
"severity" : "MODERATE",
"github_reviewed" : true,
"github_reviewed_at" : "2022-12-14T16:28:31Z",
"nvd_published_at" : "2021-03-18T14:15:00Z"
}
}