CVE-2014-0111 in Syncope
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Syncope 1.0.0 before 1.0.9 and 1.1.0 before 1.1.7 allows remote administrators to execute arbitrary Java code via vectors related to Apache Commons JEXL expressions, "derived schema definition," "user / role templates," and "account links of resource mappings."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0111 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Apache Syncope versions prior to 1.0.9 and 1.1.7. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's handling of Apache Commons JEXL expressions, which are used for expression evaluation in various administrative functions. The flaw specifically affects the system's ability to process user-defined expressions in schema definitions, template configurations, and resource mapping account links, creating a dangerous attack surface for remote administrators who can leverage these components to inject malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of JEXL expressions within the application's administrative interfaces. Attackers can craft malicious expressions that are processed by the underlying Commons JEXL engine, which then executes arbitrary Java code on the target system with the privileges of the Syncope application. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute code without requiring authentication, as long as they can access the administrative interfaces. The flaw exists in multiple components including derived schema definitions, user and role templates, and account links within resource mappings, making the attack surface broad and difficult to fully mitigate through simple configuration changes.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0111 is severe and potentially devastating for organizations using affected Apache Syncope versions. A successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, establish persistence mechanisms, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Java," indicating that attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious Java code on the target system. Organizations may face data breaches, system downtime, and compliance violations as a result of exploitation, with potential financial and reputational consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0111 primarily focus on immediate patching and configuration hardening. Organizations should upgrade to Apache Syncope versions 1.0.9 or 1.1.7 and later, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing strict input validation and sanitization measures, restricting administrative access through network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities can help reduce the risk. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper expression evaluation controls and input validation in enterprise applications, particularly those handling user-defined templates and schema configurations. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the application stack, as this vulnerability highlights the broader risks associated with dynamic code execution in enterprise systems.