CVE-2013-6447 in JBoss Web Framework Kit
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerabilities in the (1) ExecutionHandler, (2) PollHandler, and (3) SubscriptionHandler classes in JBoss Seam Remoting in JBoss Seam 2 framework 2.3.1 and earlier, as used in JBoss Web Framework Kit, allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files and possibly have other impacts via a crafted XML file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2021
The CVE-2013-6447 vulnerability represents a critical XML External Entity processing flaw affecting the JBoss Seam 2 framework version 2.3.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within three core handler classes: ExecutionHandler, PollHandler, and SubscriptionHandler that form part of the JBoss Seam Remoting component. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit XML parsing mechanisms by crafting malicious XML payloads that reference external entities, thereby bypassing intended security boundaries and potentially accessing sensitive system resources. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-611 Information Exposure Through Improperly Configured XML Processing, which directly maps to the broader category of XML external entity vulnerabilities that have plagued enterprise applications for years.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the framework's inadequate handling of XML input within the remoting components. When the affected handlers process XML requests containing external entity declarations, they fail to properly restrict access to external resources or disable external entity resolution. This allows attackers to construct XML documents that reference local files, network resources, or even perform server-side request forgery attacks. The impact extends beyond simple file disclosure, as the vulnerability can enable attackers to perform directory traversal attacks, access system configuration files, or potentially execute arbitrary code depending on the underlying system configuration and available resources.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing JBoss Web Framework Kit or any systems running JBoss Seam 2 framework versions prior to 2.3.2. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring prior authentication or access to the system. This makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web applications that expose the affected remoting endpoints. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell, where attackers might leverage the ability to read system files to gather intelligence or establish persistence through information disclosure. Organizations running affected systems face potential data breaches, system compromise, and compliance violations due to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6447 primarily involve upgrading to JBoss Seam 2.3.2 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement proper XML parsing configurations that disable external entity resolution and DTD processing in their applications. Additional defensive measures include network-level restrictions such as firewall rules that limit access to affected endpoints, input validation and sanitization of XML content, and regular security assessments of web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper XML processing security configurations and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 2021, specifically addressing the issue of XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerabilities that continue to represent significant attack vectors in enterprise environments.