CVE-2007-3715 in Java System Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java System Application Server and Web Server 7.0 through 9.0 before 20070710 do not properly process XSLT stylesheets in XSLT transforms in XML signatures, which allows context-dependent attackers to execute an arbitrary Java method via a crafted stylesheet, a related issue to CVE-2007-3716.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3715 represents a critical security flaw in Sun Java System Application Server and Web Server versions 7.0 through 9.0 prior to the 20070710 release. This weakness stems from improper handling of XSLT stylesheets during XML signature processing, creating a dangerous execution path that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's ability to validate and process XSLT transforms within XML signatures, which are commonly used for data transformation and validation in enterprise applications.
The technical flaw manifests when the application server processes XML signatures that contain XSLT stylesheet references. During this processing, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the XSLT content, allowing maliciously crafted stylesheets to execute arbitrary Java methods within the server's execution context. This occurs because the XSLT transformation engine does not adequately restrict the types of operations that can be performed during the transformation process, particularly when dealing with external resource access or method invocation capabilities. The vulnerability creates a path where attacker-controlled XSLT code can leverage the server's XML processing capabilities to execute unauthorized Java code, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables context-dependent attackers to achieve remote code execution on affected servers, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious XML signatures containing specially crafted XSLT stylesheets that, when processed by the vulnerable server, execute arbitrary Java methods with the privileges of the server process. This could result in data theft, service disruption, unauthorized access to backend systems, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The attack requires specific conditions to be met, including the ability to submit XML signatures containing malicious XSLT content to a vulnerable server, but once exploited, the consequences can be severe for organizations relying on these application server platforms.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-225, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an XSLT stylesheet, and represents a classic example of insecure XML processing that can lead to code execution. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of Java for command and control operations, as the exploitation allows for arbitrary Java method execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor patch released on 20070710, disabling XSLT processing for XML signatures when possible, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable server instances. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual XML processing patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts within server environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure processing of external resources in enterprise application servers, particularly when dealing with transformation languages that can execute code within the processing environment.