CVE-2014-0792 in Nexus
Summary
by MITRE
Sonatype Nexus 1.x and 2.x before 2.7.1 allows remote attackers to create arbitrary objects and execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors related to unmarshalling of unintended Object types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0792 affects Sonatype Nexus repository manager versions 1.x and 2.x prior to 2.7.1, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through object deserialization attacks. This issue stems from improper handling of serialized object data during the unmarshalling process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the deserialization mechanism within the Nexus repository manager, where objects are reconstructed from serialized data streams, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to leverage Java deserialization flaws.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of serialized Java objects that are processed by the Nexus application during normal operation. When the system receives and attempts to deserialize objects from untrusted sources, it fails to properly validate the object types being reconstructed, allowing attackers to craft malicious serialized payloads that contain unintended object types. This flaw falls under the category of insecure deserialization as defined by CWE-502, where the application deserializes data without adequate type checking or validation mechanisms. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted serialized objects through the Nexus REST API or other communication channels, exploiting the lack of proper object type restrictions during the deserialization process.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0792 is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing affected Nexus versions, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to repository contents. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Nexus process, potentially gaining access to sensitive artifacts, credentials, and configuration data stored within the repository. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on Nexus for artifact management, as it provides a direct path for attackers to compromise their software supply chain infrastructure. The attack can result in data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms being established, and further lateral movement within the network environment.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Nexus version 2.7.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the official release includes proper validation mechanisms for serialized object types. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to Nexus services, restricting API access through firewall rules, and monitoring for unusual deserialization activity in system logs. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments of repository management systems to identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell' and T1566.001 for 'Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment', as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands within the compromised environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure deserialization practices in enterprise software development, particularly for applications handling external data feeds and repository management functions.