CVE-2012-1833 in Grails
Summary
by MITRE
VMware SpringSource Grails before 1.3.8, and 2.x before 2.0.2, does not properly restrict data binding, which might allow remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions and modify arbitrary object properties via a crafted request parameter to an application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1833 affects VMware SpringSource Grails framework versions prior to 1.3.8 and 2.x versions before 2.0.2, representing a critical data binding restriction flaw that fundamentally undermines application security controls. This vulnerability resides in the framework's object binding mechanism where it fails to properly validate and restrict which properties can be bound from user input to application objects, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate application behavior through crafted HTTP requests. The flaw specifically targets the data binding process that occurs when web requests are processed and converted into application objects, allowing attackers to inject parameters that would normally be restricted or inaccessible through standard application interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Grails framework's data binding system, which operates under the principle that all request parameters should be carefully scrutinized before being mapped to object properties. When applications built on Grails receive HTTP requests, they typically utilize data binding to convert request parameters into object properties for processing. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to craft request parameters that can bypass the framework's intended access controls, enabling them to modify properties that should remain protected or read-only. This weakness directly relates to CWE-915, which describes improper control of a resource through multiple access points, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as attackers can manipulate application objects to access or modify data they shouldn't have access to through normal application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to bypass authentication and authorization mechanisms within Grails applications, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to modify critical application objects such as user roles, permissions, database connection parameters, or other sensitive configuration properties that control application behavior. In web applications where Grails is used for user management or administrative functions, this vulnerability could allow attackers to elevate privileges, modify user accounts, or access restricted administrative interfaces without proper authentication. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the framework level rather than application level, meaning that any application built on affected Grails versions could be compromised regardless of the specific application logic implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1833 require immediate patching of affected Grails framework versions to 1.3.8 or 2.0.2 and later, which contain the necessary data binding restrictions to prevent unauthorized property modification. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of their applications, including custom data binding restrictions that explicitly define which properties can be modified through user input. The framework's default data binding behavior should be reviewed and potentially restricted using Grails' built-in property binding controls such as the bindable property configuration or explicit property exclusion mechanisms. Security teams should conduct thorough application audits to identify any custom data binding logic that might still be vulnerable, and implement runtime monitoring to detect unusual parameter binding patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and security scanning tools that can detect and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts targeting data binding vulnerabilities, as these tools can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts.