CVE-2015-9245 in OpenEdge
Summary
by MITRE
Insecure default configuration in Progress Software OpenEdge 10.2x and 11.x allows unauthenticated remote attackers to specify arbitrary URLs from which to load and execute malicious Java classes via port 20931.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2019
Progress Software OpenEdge versions 10.2x and 11.x contain a critical insecure default configuration vulnerability that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code through port 20931. This vulnerability stems from the application server's default settings that permit remote class loading without proper authentication or authorization mechanisms. The flaw exists in the network communication layer where the system accepts and processes class loading requests from any remote host without validating the source or content integrity. This insecure configuration creates a pathway for attackers to specify arbitrary URLs containing malicious Java classes that will be automatically downloaded and executed by the vulnerable OpenEdge application server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates on a well-known port 20931 which is often exposed to external networks without proper firewall restrictions. The default behavior allows for remote code execution with the privileges of the application server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This issue directly relates to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and trust model implementation within the application server's remote execution framework.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites as attackers only need network access to port 20931 to initiate the malicious class loading sequence. Once connected, the attacker can supply a URL pointing to a malicious Java class file hosted on a remote server, which the vulnerable OpenEdge server will automatically fetch and execute. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure by default configurations. The remote class loading mechanism lacks any form of content verification or digital signature validation, making it trivial for attackers to inject malicious code into the application server runtime environment. The vulnerability affects the core application server functionality where Java class loading is permitted without authentication, creating an attack surface that can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This misconfiguration represents a failure in implementing proper network segmentation and access control policies, as the vulnerable service is typically accessible without requiring authentication credentials. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing Progress OpenEdge versions 10.2x and 11.x must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves disabling or restricting access to port 20931 through firewall rules and network access control lists to prevent unauthorized remote connections. Additionally, administrators should configure the application server to disable remote class loading functionality or implement strict URL validation policies that only permit loading classes from trusted sources. The default configuration should be reviewed and modified to enforce authentication requirements before any class loading operations are permitted. Security patches provided by Progress Software should be applied immediately to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns on port 20931 that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing the principle of least privilege and secure default configurations as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. The attack vector represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where application servers are exposed to untrusted networks without proper security controls in place. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential insecure configurations within their OpenEdge deployments and ensure that all network services adhere to secure configuration standards. The remediation process should include regular security audits of application server configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through misconfigurations or default installations.