CVE-2014-3579 in ActiveMQ
Summary
by MITRE
XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ Apollo 1.x before 1.7.1 allows remote consumers to have unspecified impact via vectors involving an XPath based selector when dequeuing XML messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2021
The CVE-2014-3579 vulnerability represents a critical XML external entity processing flaw within Apache ActiveMQ Apollo 1.x messaging system versions prior to 1.7.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the message queuing infrastructure when processing XML messages through XPath-based selectors during the dequeuing operation. The flaw exists in the XML parsing mechanism that fails to properly validate or sanitize external entity references, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted XML payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the XPath selector processing component of ActiveMQ Apollo. When the system attempts to dequeue XML messages that contain XPath expressions, it processes external entity declarations without proper sanitization. This allows attackers to craft XML messages that reference external entities, potentially leading to information disclosure, denial of service, or remote code execution depending on the system configuration and available resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent weaknesses in XML processing libraries that do not properly restrict external entity resolution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities against internal systems. Attackers can leverage the XXE vulnerability to access internal network resources, potentially escalating privileges or gaining access to sensitive information stored within the messaging infrastructure. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description suggests that the vulnerability could enable various attack vectors including server-side request forgery, information leakage, or service disruption. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entity reference, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in messaging systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Apache ActiveMQ Apollo 1.7.1 or later versions, disabling external entity processing in XML parsers, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. Additionally, monitoring for unusual XML message patterns and implementing proper access controls for message consumers can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for regular security updates and proper XML processing configurations in enterprise messaging systems.