CVE-2010-2087 in Mojarra
Summary
by MITRE
Oracle Mojarra 1.2_14 and 2.0.2, as used in IBM WebSphere Application Server, Caucho Resin, 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2087 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle Mojarra JSF implementations affecting versions 1.2_14 and 2.0.2 within prominent application servers including IBM WebSphere and Caucho Resin. This weakness stems from inadequate handling of unencrypted view state parameters that are serialized and transmitted between client and server components. The flaw creates a dangerous condition where malicious actors can manipulate serialized view objects to inject malicious content or execute arbitrary Expression Language statements, fundamentally compromising the integrity and security of web applications utilizing these JSF frameworks.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability operates through the manipulation of serialized view state data that is typically transmitted in encrypted form but can be exploited when encryption is disabled or bypassed. When applications fail to properly validate or sanitize serialized view objects, attackers can modify the serialized data to inject malicious JavaScript code or Expression Language expressions that will be executed during subsequent page rendering. This represents a classic case of improper input validation and insufficient data sanitization, specifically targeting the JavaServer Faces view state management system. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and CWE-94 which addresses Arbitrary Code Execution through untrusted data processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2087 extends beyond simple XSS attacks to potentially enable complete system compromise through Expression Language execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the server, access sensitive data, perform unauthorized operations, and establish persistent access points within the application environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many enterprise applications rely on these JSF implementations for their web interfaces, making the vulnerability exploitable across numerous production systems. This weakness can be exploited through various vectors including direct manipulation of URL parameters, cookie values, or hidden form fields, making detection and prevention challenging for security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2087 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to protect affected systems. Organizations should prioritize enabling proper view state encryption through the configuration of secure session management and ensuring that serialized view data is always encrypted during transmission. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation mechanisms, disabling unnecessary view state encryption options, and applying the latest security patches provided by Oracle and vendor-specific updates for IBM WebSphere and Caucho Resin. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with content filtering capabilities and regular security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The mitigation process should also include comprehensive security testing of application components and ensuring that all development teams follow secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom implementations. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for JSF components and regularly audit their application configurations to ensure that view state handling aligns with security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.