CVE-2012-2148 in JBoxx AS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue exists in the property replacements feature in any descriptor in JBoxx AS 7.1.1 ignores java security policies
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2148 resides within the property replacements functionality of JBoxx AS 7.1.1, a Java-based application server framework. This issue fundamentally compromises the security boundaries that should exist between different components and users within the application environment. The vulnerability specifically affects descriptor files that utilize property replacement mechanisms, which are commonly employed to configure application behavior dynamically. When these descriptors process property replacements, they fail to properly enforce Java security policies that should govern access to system resources, classes, and operations.
The technical flaw manifests in the bypass of Java's security manager enforcement mechanisms that are designed to restrict code execution and resource access. Under normal circumstances, Java security policies define strict boundaries that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system components, file operations, and network communications. However, the property replacement feature in JBoxx AS 7.1.1 operates outside these established security constraints, allowing malicious actors to exploit the vulnerability by manipulating descriptor files to execute arbitrary code or access restricted resources. This represents a critical design flaw in the security architecture where the property replacement mechanism does not properly validate or sanitize input before processing, effectively creating a backdoor that circumvents the entire security policy framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to bypass authentication mechanisms, access sensitive data, execute unauthorized commands, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the application server environment. The vulnerability affects any application deployed on JBoxx AS 7.1.1 that utilizes descriptor files with property replacement features, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple applications may be running on the same platform. The security implications align with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses related to inadequate access control and improper enforcement of security policies. This vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through security bypass and execution through system services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of JBoxx AS that properly enforces Java security policies during property replacement operations. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and monitoring of descriptor files to prevent unauthorized modifications that could exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough audits of all descriptor files within the application environment to identify and remediate any potentially vulnerable configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper security policy enforcement in application servers and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all framework components that interact with system-level resources, particularly those involving dynamic configuration and property handling mechanisms.