CVE-2015-5344 in Camel
Summary
by MITRE
The camel-xstream component in Apache Camel before 2.15.5 and 2.16.x before 2.16.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted serialized Java object in an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5344 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the camel-xstream component of Apache Camel messaging framework. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 2.15.5 and 2.16.1, exposing systems that utilize this component to potential exploitation by malicious actors. The flaw specifically resides in how the component handles serialized Java objects within HTTP requests, creating an attack vector that allows remote adversaries to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and object deserialization mechanisms within the camel-xstream implementation. When the component processes HTTP requests containing crafted serialized Java objects, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the incoming data before attempting to deserialize it. This improper handling creates a path for attackers to inject malicious serialized objects that, when processed, trigger arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the serialization level where untrusted data is deserialized without adequate security controls, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard HTTP communication channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5344 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution, which can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using Apache Camel with the vulnerable camel-xstream component face significant risk, particularly in environments where the component processes untrusted input from external sources. The vulnerability's accessibility through HTTP requests means that attackers can potentially exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring special privileges or authentication.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a common weakness that leads to remote code execution when untrusted data is deserialized without proper validation. The attack pattern follows typical remote code execution methodologies described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1059, specifically focusing on command and scripting interpreters for execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Apache Camel, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected components, and deploying input validation controls to prevent malicious serialized objects from reaching the vulnerable deserialization logic.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2015-5344 requires organizations to upgrade their Apache Camel installations to versions 2.15.5 or 2.16.1 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the deserialization vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP requests containing serialized objects. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Apache Camel and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent future exposure to similar vulnerabilities.