CVE-2016-6199 in Gradle
Summary
by MITRE
ObjectSocketWrapper.java in Gradle 2.12 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted serialized object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6199 resides within the ObjectSocketWrapper.java component of Gradle version 2.12, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that has significant implications for software development environments. This vulnerability specifically targets the serialization mechanism used by Gradle's build system, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit improperly validated object deserialization processes to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of the build tool.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate validation of serialized objects received over network connections, particularly when Gradle communicates with remote repositories or processes external build dependencies. When the ObjectSocketWrapper component receives serialized data, it fails to properly verify the integrity and origin of the serialized objects, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when deserialized, execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of deserialization vulnerabilities, which are commonly classified as CWE-502 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" where untrusted data is deserialized without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over systems running vulnerable Gradle versions, potentially enabling them to access sensitive source code repositories, exfiltrate proprietary information, or establish persistent backdoors within development environments. Since Gradle is widely used across enterprise development pipelines, the exploitation of this vulnerability can compromise entire software supply chains, affecting multiple projects and organizations that rely on Gradle for their build processes. The attack vector typically involves manipulating remote repositories or build servers to deliver malicious serialized objects that are automatically processed by the vulnerable Gradle components during normal build operations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Gradle versions that have patched this vulnerability, typically versions 2.13 or later, which contain proper validation mechanisms for serialized objects. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to build servers and repository managers, while also monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their build environments to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and ensure that all development and CI/CD pipelines are properly secured against similar deserialization attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" when considering the broader attack patterns that leverage such vulnerabilities in software development environments.