CVE-2015-8581 in TomEE
Summary
by MITRE
The EjbObjectInputStream class in Apache TomEE allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a serialized Java stream.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8581 resides within the EjbObjectInputStream class of Apache TomEE, a Java Enterprise Edition application server that provides enterprise JavaBeans support. This flaw represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability that arises from insufficient validation of serialized Java objects during deserialization processes. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of serialized streams that contain Java object references, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute with the privileges of the affected application server. The issue stems from the lack of proper object validation mechanisms within the EjbObjectInputStream implementation, which fails to verify the integrity and legitimacy of serialized objects before processing them. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and execute arbitrary commands on the target system without requiring authentication or specific privileges.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-8581 occurs when an attacker can influence the serialization stream that flows through the EjbObjectInputStream class. During the deserialization process, the system attempts to reconstruct Java objects from their serialized representations, but due to inadequate validation, malicious objects can be constructed that contain executable code or references to dangerous operations. Attackers can craft serialized streams containing malicious Java objects that, when deserialized, trigger remote code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-502 as Deserialization of Untrusted Data, which is a well-known weakness pattern that affects many Java applications and frameworks. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating serialized object data, often through gadgets that can be chained together to create sophisticated attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over the affected TomEE server, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying application behavior, or using the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems where TomEE is deployed with components that accept serialized Java streams from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in web applications that process user input or external data streams. Organizations using Apache TomEE versions prior to the patched releases face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications, web services, or any interface that accepts serialized Java objects.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8581 require immediate action to patch affected systems and implement additional security controls. The primary solution involves upgrading to Apache TomEE versions that contain the necessary security patches and fixes for the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of TomEE components to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary deserialization capabilities, implementing strict input validation for all serialized data, and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications and privilege escalation, as attackers can establish persistent access and move laterally within compromised environments. Security teams should also consider implementing application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure deserialization practices and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of serialization mechanisms in enterprise Java applications.