CVE-2012-5575 in Jboss Fuse Esb Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Apache CFX 2.5.x before 2.5.10, 2.6.x before CXF 2.6.7, and 2.7.x before CXF 2.7.4 does not verify that a specified cryptographic algorithm is allowed by the WS-SecurityPolicy AlgorithmSuite definition before decrypting, which allows remote attackers to force CXF to use weaker cryptographic algorithms than intended and makes it easier to decrypt communications, aka "XML Encryption backwards compatibility attack."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5575 affects Apache CXF versions prior to 2.5.10, 2.6.7, and 2.7.4, representing a significant weakness in web services security implementations. This flaw resides in the WS-SecurityPolicy AlgorithmSuite validation mechanism within the Apache CXF framework, which is widely used for building web services in enterprise environments. The vulnerability specifically targets the cryptographic algorithm verification process during XML encryption operations, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate security parameters and downgrade encryption strength.
The technical flaw manifests when the CXF framework fails to properly validate that the cryptographic algorithms specified in security policies align with the defined AlgorithmSuite constraints before proceeding with decryption operations. This validation gap allows remote attackers to exploit the system's backward compatibility mechanisms and force the use of weaker cryptographic algorithms than originally intended. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web services security standards and cryptographic protocol implementation, where the framework's trust in incoming security policy parameters leads to improper algorithm selection. This weakness is classified under CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and represents a critical failure in cryptographic implementation security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple encryption downgrade, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of web services relying on Apache CXF. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, decrypt sensitive communications, and potentially access confidential data transmitted through affected services. The vulnerability affects organizations using web services that implement WS-SecurityPolicy, which is common in enterprise environments where interoperability with legacy systems is required. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can intercept or manipulate web service communications. This weakness can be leveraged in accordance with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which involves unsecured credentials and weak cryptographic practices.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Apache CXF, specifically versions 2.5.10, 2.6.7, and 2.7.4, which contain the necessary cryptographic algorithm validation fixes. System administrators should also review existing security policies and ensure that AlgorithmSuite definitions are properly configured to enforce strong cryptographic requirements. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual cryptographic algorithm usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing stricter security controls around web service communication and regularly audit their cryptographic implementations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their security infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic validation in security frameworks and highlights the risks associated with maintaining backward compatibility without adequate security controls.