CVE-2016-5019 in Rapid Planning
Summary
by MITRE
CoreResponseStateManager in Apache MyFaces Trinidad 1.0.0 through 1.0.13, 1.2.x before 1.2.15, 2.0.x before 2.0.2, and 2.1.x before 2.1.2 might allow attackers to conduct deserialization attacks via a crafted serialized view state string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5019 represents a critical deserialization flaw within Apache MyFaces Trinidad framework versions ranging from 1.0.0 through 1.0.13, 1.2.x versions prior to 1.2.15, 2.0.x versions before 2.0.2, and 2.1.x versions before 2.1.2. This issue resides in the CoreResponseStateManager component which handles the serialization and deserialization of view state data in web applications built on this framework. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the serialized view state string, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of the framework's state management mechanism, which is fundamental to maintaining application state across HTTP requests in web applications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of serialized data during the deserialization process within the CoreResponseStateManager. When the framework processes incoming view state data, it deserializes objects without adequate security checks to verify the integrity and authenticity of the serialized content. This allows attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable system, can trigger unintended behavior including remote code execution. The flaw aligns with CWE-502 which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and represents a classic example of insecure deserialization vulnerabilities that have been prevalent in Java applications for years. The vulnerability enables attackers to leverage the Java deserialization mechanism to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5019 is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected versions of Apache MyFaces Trinidad. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to server systems, execute malicious code, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. The vulnerability affects the fundamental state management capabilities of Trinidad applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during normal application usage without requiring special privileges or authentication. The attack surface is broad since any application using the vulnerable framework versions could be targeted, including enterprise web applications, portals, and business-critical systems that rely on Trinidad for their user interface components. Organizations may face significant data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations if this vulnerability is exploited in production environments.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address CVE-2016-5019. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to patched versions of Apache MyFaces Trinidad where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper input validation and secure deserialization practices. Additionally, implementing proper network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary deserialization capabilities within the application, implementing strict input validation for all serialized data, and monitoring application logs for suspicious deserialization activities. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to identify and block malicious serialized data attempts. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to defense evasion and execution, as attackers may attempt to bypass security controls through crafted serialized objects. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all affected systems are properly patched and secured against similar vulnerabilities in the future.