CVE-2013-6448 in JBoss Web Framework Kit
Summary
by MITRE
The InterfaceGenerator handler in JBoss Seam Remoting in JBoss Seam 2 framework 2.3.1 and earlier, as used in JBoss Web Framework Kit, allows remote attackers to bypass the WebRemote annotation restriction and obtain information about arbitrary classes and methods on the server classpath via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6448 represents a critical security flaw in the JBoss Seam Remoting component that affects versions 2.3.1 and earlier of the JBoss Seam framework. This issue specifically targets the InterfaceGenerator handler which is responsible for processing remote method invocation requests within the framework. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of class access restrictions that should be enforced by the WebRemote annotation mechanism. When properly configured, the WebRemote annotation is designed to control which classes and methods can be accessed remotely through the Seam Remoting interface, but this protection mechanism can be circumvented through the vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that allow remote attackers to bypass the intended access controls and enumerate arbitrary classes and methods present on the server classpath. This represents a significant information disclosure vulnerability that enables attackers to gather intelligence about the application's internal structure, potentially revealing sensitive implementation details that could be leveraged for further attacks. The flaw operates at the application level within the JBoss Seam framework, specifically targeting the remoting capabilities that enable remote procedure calls between client and server components. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to perform unauthorized class and method enumeration, effectively breaking the access control boundaries that should protect the application's internal components from external inspection.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to organizations using affected versions of JBoss Seam Framework. Attackers can exploit the flaw to map the application's class hierarchy and identify potentially vulnerable components, exposed services, or sensitive business logic implementations. This reconnaissance capability significantly increases the attack surface and enables more sophisticated attacks that could follow, as the attacker gains knowledge about the system's architecture and available methods. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control, as it allows unauthorized access to classpath information that should remain protected within the application's security boundaries.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as this vulnerability aligns with multiple ATT&CK tactics including reconnaissance and privilege escalation. The CWE classification for this type of vulnerability would likely fall under CWE-200 Information Exposure, specifically related to improper restriction of information disclosure through remote access. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual patterns of class enumeration requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web frameworks, as the flaw exists in the core remoting infrastructure rather than in application-specific code.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through version upgrades to JBoss Seam 2.3.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the access control bypass. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to Seam Remoting endpoints and consider disabling remote access to these interfaces when not required. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities in other framework components. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting thorough security reviews of application frameworks, particularly those handling remote method invocation and class loading operations.