CVE-2007-4289 in Java System Portal Server
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java System Portal Server 7.0 does 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-2007-3715.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4289 affects Sun Java System Portal Server 7.0 and represents a critical security flaw in the processing of XML signatures that could enable remote code execution. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of XSLT stylesheets within the XML signature transformation process, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the system's behavior through crafted malicious input. The issue specifically targets the XSLT transform functionality that is integral to XML signature validation mechanisms, where the portal server fails to adequately sanitize or validate the XSLT stylesheet content before processing.
The technical flaw manifests when the portal server encounters XML signatures that contain XSLT transforms, which are typically used to transform XML data for signature verification purposes. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious XSLT code that can execute arbitrary Java methods within the context of the running portal server process. This occurs because the system does not properly validate or restrict the XSLT stylesheet operations, enabling attackers to leverage the XSLT processor's capabilities to perform unauthorized actions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the context of XML signature processing, which is a legitimate and expected function of the system, making the attack more difficult to detect and prevent.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Sun Java System Portal Server 7.0, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the portal server process. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that exploitation requires specific conditions to be met, including the ability to influence or control XML signature content that will be processed by the vulnerable system. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, escalate privileges, or compromise the entire portal infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution as it could enable attackers to establish persistent access or perform lateral movement within the network environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-225, which addresses improper handling of XSLT transformations, and represents a variant of the broader class of issues related to insecure data processing in XML handling components. This weakness is particularly relevant to the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute Java methods through the XSLT transformation process. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations including immediate patching of the affected portal server version, implementing strict input validation for XML signature content, and restricting access to XSLT transformation capabilities. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of XML processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no unauthorized XSLT transformations are being processed within the system environment.