CVE-2013-7285 in API
Summary
by MITRE
Xstream API versions up to 1.4.6 and version 1.4.10, if the security framework has not been initialized, may allow a remote attacker to run arbitrary shell commands by manipulating the processed input stream when unmarshaling XML or any supported format. e.g. JSON.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7285 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the XStream API library that affected versions up to 1.4.6 and specifically version 1.4.10. This vulnerability stems from the library's improper handling of deserialization processes when processing untrusted input data. The flaw occurs when the security framework within XStream has not been explicitly initialized, creating a dangerous condition where maliciously crafted input can be interpreted and executed as shell commands on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple data formats including XML and JSON, expanding the attack surface significantly. The root cause lies in XStream's default behavior of allowing arbitrary class instantiation during the unmarshaling process, which bypasses normal security restrictions that should prevent execution of potentially harmful code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a specific pattern where an attacker crafts malicious input data that, when processed by XStream's unmarshaling functionality, triggers the instantiation of dangerous classes such as java.lang.Runtime or other system classes capable of executing shell commands. This process typically involves creating serialized objects that, when deserialized, automatically execute code through Java's reflection mechanisms or by leveraging the library's default type mapping capabilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-502 as "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Shell Script" when considering the shell command execution aspect of the exploit. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the library's security model where it assumes trust in input data without proper validation or restriction mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7285 is severe and far-reaching across numerous applications and systems that rely on XStream for data serialization and deserialization. Any web application, API service, or enterprise system that accepts user input and processes it through XStream without proper security configuration becomes immediately vulnerable to remote code execution attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects not only web applications but also desktop applications, server-side services, and any software that utilizes XStream for object serialization. Organizations running vulnerable versions of XStream are at significant risk of being exploited by threat actors who can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability can be exploited through multiple input formats, making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7285 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to XStream version 1.4.7 or later, where the security framework has been properly implemented and enabled by default. Organizations should also implement explicit security configurations that restrict the types of classes that can be instantiated during deserialization, using XStream's built-in security features such as the whitelist approach or the more robust blacklist mechanisms. Additionally, input validation and sanitization should be implemented at multiple layers of the application architecture to prevent malicious data from reaching the deserialization process. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious patterns of data transfer that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect and prevent unauthorized command execution attempts, as well as regular security assessments to identify any applications still using vulnerable versions of the library. The implementation of proper security frameworks and the avoidance of default insecure configurations are essential steps in protecting against this and similar vulnerabilities.