CVE-2010-2057 in MyFaces
Summary
by MITRE
shared/util/StateUtils.java in Apache MyFaces 1.1.x before 1.1.8, 1.2.x before 1.2.9, and 2.0.x before 2.0.1 uses an encrypted View State without a Message Authentication Code (MAC), which makes it easier for remote attackers to perform successful modifications of the View State via a padding oracle attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2057 affects Apache MyFaces versions prior to specific patch releases, targeting the state management mechanism within the framework's shared utilities. This issue resides in the StateUtils.java file which handles view state encryption operations, creating a critical security gap in the framework's defensive posture. The flaw specifically manifests when the framework employs encrypted view state without implementing proper message authentication codes, leaving the system susceptible to sophisticated attack vectors that exploit the absence of integrity verification mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the framework's failure to incorporate message authentication codes alongside encryption operations. When view state data is encrypted but not authenticated, attackers can leverage padding oracle attack techniques to manipulate the encrypted data without possessing the encryption keys. This attack pattern exploits the predictable behavior of the decryption process when encountering invalid padding, allowing malicious actors to iteratively modify ciphertext and observe decryption responses to reconstruct valid plaintext. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-310, which categorizes weaknesses related to cryptographic issues and the absence of proper authentication mechanisms in cryptographic operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution and session manipulation capabilities through simple state modification attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and authenticity guarantees that view state management should provide. Attackers can successfully modify view state parameters to manipulate application behavior, potentially gaining unauthorized access to restricted functionality or bypassing security controls. The padding oracle attack method is particularly effective because it can be executed without prior knowledge of encryption keys, making it a serious concern for web applications relying on Apache MyFaces for state management. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers unsecured credentials and the manipulation of encrypted data without proper integrity validation. The implications are severe for applications that depend on view state for maintaining user session information and application context, as successful exploitation can lead to complete session hijacking and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2057 require immediate patching of affected Apache MyFaces versions to the recommended secure releases, specifically versions 1.1.8, 1.2.9, and 2.0.1 or later. Organizations should implement comprehensive state management reviews to ensure that all encrypted view state components include proper message authentication codes and integrity checks. The recommended approach involves upgrading to patched versions that incorporate HMAC or similar authentication mechanisms alongside encryption. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious state modification patterns and establish proper configuration management practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. Organizations must evaluate their current state management implementations and ensure that cryptographic operations follow industry best practices as outlined in NIST SP 800-57 and other relevant cryptographic standards to prevent recurrence of such issues.