CVE-2021-41589Network attack vector

Remote code execution via anonymous cache writes

Published Oct 27, 2021 · Updated Aug 4, 2024

Cache poisoning in Gradle Enterprise before 2021.3 and Build Cache Node before 10.0 allows remote attackers to execute code during builds. The default configuration grants anonymous access to the configuration interface and anonymous write access to the cache, so manipulated entries are consumed as trusted build inputs. Network reachability is sufficient while either the cache remains open or, for the separate node service, its anonymously accessible interface can restore open cache access.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability2.38%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Cache poisoning in Gradle Enterprise before 2021.3 and Build Cache Node before 10.0 allows remote attackers to execute code during builds. The default configuration grants anonymous access to the configuration interface and anonymous write access to the cache, so manipulated entries are consumed as trusted build inputs. Network reachability is sufficient while either the cache remains open or, for the separate node service, its anonymously accessible interface can restore open cache access.

The record

CVE
CVE-2021-41589
Published
Oct 27, 2021
Updated
Aug 4, 2024
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
CWE-732, T1195.002
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Oct 27, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 4, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Affected buildAffected product and version details are unavailable.

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.

Published CVSS scores

7.5NIST NVDAV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
9.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-732Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource
T1195.002Compromise Software Supply Chain: Compromise Software Supply Chain

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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