CVE-2013-2172 in GlassFish Server
Summary
by MITRE
jcp/xml/dsig/internal/dom/DOMCanonicalizationMethod.java in Apache Santuario XML Security for Java 1.4.x before 1.4.8 and 1.5.x before 1.5.5 allows context-dependent attackers to spoof an XML Signature by using the CanonicalizationMethod parameter to specify an arbitrary weak "canonicalization algorithm to apply to the SignedInfo part of the Signature."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2172 affects Apache Santuario XML Security for Java, a widely used library implementing XML Signature and Encryption standards. This security flaw resides within the DOMCanonicalizationMethod.java file in versions 1.4.x prior to 1.4.8 and 1.5.x prior to 1.5.5, representing a critical weakness in the XML signature processing pipeline. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of canonicalization method parameters, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the signature validation process through crafted canonicalization algorithm specifications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through context-dependent attack vectors where an attacker can specify arbitrary weak canonicalization algorithms during XML signature processing. Canonicalization algorithms are essential components in XML signatures that ensure consistent representation of XML data for signature purposes. When the system accepts arbitrary canonicalization parameters without proper validation, it enables attackers to bypass signature verification mechanisms. This flaw directly relates to CWE-22, representing a path traversal vulnerability, and CWE-327, indicating the use of weak cryptographic algorithms. The vulnerability allows for signature forgery by manipulating how the SignedInfo element is processed during signature validation, effectively undermining the integrity protection mechanisms that XML signatures are designed to provide.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems relying on XML signatures for authentication, integrity verification, and non-repudiation services. Attackers can forge XML signatures by substituting strong canonicalization algorithms with weaker ones, potentially allowing unauthorized modifications to signed documents without detection. The impact extends beyond simple signature validation failures to compromise the entire security architecture built upon XML signature standards. Systems using vulnerable versions of Apache Santuario are at risk of accepting forged signatures, leading to potential data tampering, unauthorized access, and bypass of security controls. The vulnerability particularly affects web services, enterprise applications, and security infrastructure that depend on XML signature validation for trust establishment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2172 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of Apache Santuario XML Security for Java, specifically versions 1.4.8 or 1.5.5 and later. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems using the affected library receive updates promptly. Additionally, security configurations should enforce strict canonicalization algorithm validation, rejecting any non-standard or weak algorithms during signature processing. Network segmentation and monitoring of XML signature validation activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing additional verification layers beyond XML signatures, such as cryptographic hash checks or external validation services, to provide defense-in-depth against signature forgery attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1553.006, representing credential manipulation through signature validation bypass, emphasizing the need for robust signature integrity checks in enterprise security architectures.