CVE-2014-0364 in Smack
Summary
by MITRE
The ParseRoster component in the Ignite Realtime Smack XMPP API before 4.0.0-rc1 does not verify the from attribute of a roster-query IQ stanza, which allows remote attackers to spoof IQ responses via a crafted attribute.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0364 resides within the ParseRoster component of the Ignite Realtime Smack XMPP API library, affecting versions prior to 4.0.0-rc1. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of roster management operations within XMPP-based communication systems. The issue stems from insufficient validation of the from attribute within roster-query IQ stanzas, which are fundamental elements used for managing contact lists and roster synchronization in XMPP protocols. The vulnerability creates a trust relationship disruption where the API fails to authenticate the source of roster information, potentially allowing malicious actors to manipulate roster data through crafted IQ responses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and trust verification within the XMPP protocol stack. When the ParseRoster component processes incoming roster-query IQ stanzas, it accepts the from attribute without proper verification, treating it as an authoritative source of information. This design flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and CWE-295, which covers improper certificate validation. The flaw enables attackers to spoof legitimate roster responses by manipulating the from attribute to appear as if it originates from a trusted source, thereby bypassing normal authentication and authorization checks that should protect roster data integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation to potentially compromise the entire communication infrastructure relying on the affected XMPP library. Attackers can exploit this weakness to inject malicious contacts into user rosters, modify existing contact information, or even redirect communication flows by presenting false roster data. This capability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves social engineering through spearphishing, and T1071, which covers application layer protocol usage. The vulnerability affects systems where XMPP clients depend on roster data for contact management, message routing, and security policy enforcement, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or disruption of communication services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of library updates to versions 4.0.0-rc1 or later, where proper verification mechanisms have been implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing additional network-level controls such as strict XMPP server configuration, enforcing proper certificate validation, and monitoring for anomalous roster-query patterns. The fix typically involves implementing cryptographic verification of the from attribute or enforcing strict trust relationships between roster sources and clients. Security teams should conduct comprehensive testing of their XMPP infrastructure to ensure proper implementation of the updated library and verify that no legacy systems remain vulnerable to this attack vector.