CVE-2016-10750 in Hazelcast
Summary
by MITRE
In Hazelcast before 3.11, the cluster join procedure is vulnerable to remote code execution via Java deserialization. If an attacker can reach a listening Hazelcast instance with a crafted JoinRequest, and vulnerable classes exist in the classpath, the attacker can run arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10750 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Hazelcast versions prior to 3.11, specifically targeting the cluster join procedure. This vulnerability exploits the Java deserialization mechanism to allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists because Hazelcast's cluster communication protocol does not properly validate serialized objects during the join process, creating an attack surface where malicious payloads can be delivered through crafted JoinRequest messages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Hazelcast's reliance on Java's default deserialization mechanism for handling cluster communication. When a node attempts to join a Hazelcast cluster, it sends a JoinRequest containing serialized data that describes the joining node's configuration and capabilities. The receiving node deserializes this data without adequate validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious serialized objects that contain executable code. This deserialization flaw aligns with CWE-502, which categorizes unsafe deserialization as a significant security risk. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal network access to exploit, as attackers only need to reach a listening Hazelcast instance that has vulnerable classes in its classpath.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10750 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected Hazelcast instances. Once successfully exploited, attackers can manipulate cluster data, access sensitive information, perform denial of service attacks, or use the compromised nodes as stepping stones for further network exploration. The vulnerability affects distributed applications that rely on Hazelcast for data grid and clustering functionality, potentially compromising entire application ecosystems that depend on the affected cluster for data consistency and availability. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1133 for external remote services, as attackers can leverage the deserialization flaw to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10750 focus primarily on upgrading to Hazelcast version 3.11 or later, where the deserialization vulnerability has been addressed through improved validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to Hazelcast cluster ports, particularly the default port 5701, ensuring that only trusted nodes can communicate with cluster members. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary Hazelcast features, implementing strict firewall rules, and conducting regular security assessments to identify vulnerable classpaths. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices around deserialization, particularly in distributed systems where inter-node communication relies on serialized data transfer. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious deserialization patterns and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts.