CVE-2021-21677: RCE vulnerability in Jenkins Code Coverage API Plugin
Summary
CVE-2021-21677: RCE vulnerability in Jenkins Code Coverage API Plugin. Affects io.jenkins.plugins:code-coverage-api versions < 1.4.1. Fixed in 1.4.1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Jenkins Code Coverage API Plugin is a Maven package that provides functionality for code coverage analysis in Jenkins. It allows users to measure the extent to which their source code is tested by their test suite. The plugin integrates with various code coverage tools and generates reports to help developers identify areas of their code that are not adequately covered by tests. However, versions 1.4.0 and earlier of the plugin are vulnerable to a remote code execution (RCE) exploit.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the Code Coverage API Plugin arises from its failure to apply JEP-200 deserialization protection to Java objects it deserializes from disk. This oversight allows attackers with control over agent processes to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it grants unauthorized access to the Jenkins environment and potentially enables further attacks. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 4.99.0 as of 23 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.4.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to update to the fixed version of the Code Coverage API Plugin to ensure the security of the Jenkins environment.
Conclusion
The RCE vulnerability in the Jenkins Code Coverage API Plugin (CVE-2021-21677) poses a significant risk to Jenkins environments. It is crucial for users of the affected versions to update to version 1.4.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The Code Coverage API Plugin is a Jenkins plugin that provides code coverage analysis functionality. It helps developers measure the extent to which their source code is tested by their test suite.
The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially granting unauthorized access to the Jenkins environment and enabling further attacks.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Code Coverage API Plugin version 1.4.1 or later. This version includes the necessary configuration to mitigate the RCE vulnerability.
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to update to the fixed version of the Code Coverage API Plugin to ensure the security of the Jenkins environment.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high severity level.
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