CVE-2016-0779 in TomEE
Summary
by MITRE
The EjbObjectInputStream class in Apache TomEE before 1.7.4 and 7.x before 7.0.0-M3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted serialized object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0779 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Apache TomEE application server ecosystem. This vulnerability resides in the EjbObjectInputStream class, which serves as a crucial component for handling serialized object data within the enterprise java beans environment. The flaw enables remote attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that can be processed by the affected TomEE versions, thereby providing unauthorized execution capabilities on the target system. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Apache TomEE platform including versions prior to 1.7.4 and 7.x versions before 7.0.0-M3, indicating a widespread impact across the software's release history.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of serialized object data within the EjbObjectInputStream processing pipeline. When the application receives serialized data through the EjbObjectInputStream, it fails to properly validate the contents of the serialized object before deserializing and executing the embedded instructions. This deserialization vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the context of the TomEE server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw operates at the serialization layer where objects are converted from their binary representation back into live objects, creating an execution path that bypasses normal security controls and access restrictions.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0779 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially gaining access to sensitive enterprise data, establishing persistent access points, and conducting further reconnaissance within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where TomEE servers are exposed to external networks, making organizations vulnerable to automated attacks and targeted exploitation campaigns.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of Apache TomEE, specifically versions 1.7.4 and 7.0.0-M3 or later. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TomEE services, particularly those handling serialized object data. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary deserialization functionality, implementing strict input validation for serialized objects, and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes deserialization of untrusted data as a critical security weakness, and corresponds to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on remote code execution through serialized object manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.