CVE-2010-2086 in MyFaces
Summary
by MITRE
Apache MyFaces 1.1.7 and 1.2.8, as used in IBM WebSphere Application Server and other applications, does not properly handle an unencrypted view state, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks or execute arbitrary Expression Language (EL) statements via vectors that involve modifying the serialized view object.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2017
Apache MyFaces vulnerability CVE-2010-2086 represents a critical security flaw in the JavaServer Faces implementation that affects versions 1.1.7 and 1.2.8. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of view state parameters within the web application framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted input manipulation. The flaw specifically manifests when the framework processes unencrypted view state data, which typically contains serialized object information that maintains the state of web application components between requests.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of serialized view objects that are transmitted between client and server during web application interactions. When view state information is not properly encrypted or validated, attackers can manipulate the serialized data to inject malicious content. This manipulation allows for cross-site scripting attacks where malicious scripts can be executed within the context of other users' browsers, as well as arbitrary Expression Language execution that enables attackers to run code on the server side. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the JavaServer Faces framework's state management mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2086 extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with multiple attack vectors that can be leveraged for more sophisticated exploitation. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized privilege escalation within the affected web applications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where IBM WebSphere Application Server is commonly deployed, as it affects critical business applications that handle sensitive data and user information. The attack requires minimal prerequisites, making it accessible to attackers with basic web application exploitation knowledge.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to protect against this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected MyFaces versions, implementation of input validation controls, and enforcement of secure view state encryption mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and CWE-94 Code Injection categories, representing a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to severe security consequences. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive network monitoring and application security controls.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of security patches from Apache MyFaces and IBM, implementation of view state encryption using strong cryptographic algorithms, and regular security assessments of web applications. Organizations must also establish secure coding practices that enforce proper input validation and output encoding throughout their web application development lifecycle. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure state management in web frameworks and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when application frameworks fail to properly validate or encrypt sensitive data that traverses between client and server components.