CVE-2008-2945 in Java System Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java System Access Manager 6.3 through 7.1 and Sun Java System Identity Server 6.1 and 6.2 do not properly process XSLT stylesheets in XSLT transforms in XML signatures, which allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted stylesheet, a related issue to CVE-2007-3715, CVE-2007-3716, and CVE-2007-4289.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2945 represents a critical security flaw in Sun Java System Access Manager and Sun Java System Identity Server products. This issue affects versions ranging from Java System Access Manager 6.3 through 7.1 and Identity Server 6.1 and 6.2, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can exploit improper XSLT stylesheet processing within XML signatures. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and processing of XSLT transforms, which are essential components in XML digital signatures used for authentication and authorization processes within these identity management systems.
The technical flaw manifests when the affected systems process XSLT stylesheets embedded within XML signatures without adequate safeguards against malicious content. This improper handling allows attackers to craft specially designed XSLT stylesheets that can be executed within the context of the vulnerable application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate XSLT processing capabilities of the systems to execute arbitrary code, effectively bypassing normal security controls. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-224, which deals with improper handling of XSLT transformations, and represents a classic example of code injection through XML processing. The attack vector is context-dependent, meaning that exploitation requires specific conditions related to the XML signature processing workflow within the identity management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations relying on these identity management platforms. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive authentication and authorization systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The arbitrary code execution capability means that attackers could install backdoors, escalate privileges, or extract sensitive data from the identity management infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of identity management services, potentially affecting thousands of users and applications that depend on these systems for authentication and access control. Organizations using these vulnerable products face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access, with potential cascading effects throughout their IT infrastructure since identity management systems often serve as foundational components for security operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2945 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as vendors released updates addressing this specific XSLT processing vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all XML signatures processed by these systems, including comprehensive XSLT stylesheet content inspection and sanitization. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks or users. The implementation of XML security policies that restrict the use of potentially dangerous XSLT features, such as external entity references and script execution capabilities, provides additional protection layers. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous XML processing activities and potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through XML and scripting languages, making it particularly relevant for security teams implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and XML parsers that can detect and block malicious XSLT transformations before they reach the vulnerable application components.