CVE-2016-8749 in Camel
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Camel's Jackson and JacksonXML unmarshalling operation are vulnerable to Remote Code Execution attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
Apache Camel versions prior to 2.18.0 and 2.17.4 contain a critical remote code execution vulnerability in their Jackson and JacksonXML unmarshalling operations that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the deserialization process of JSON and XML data structures. The flaw allows maliciously crafted payloads to be processed through the Jackson data binding libraries, which are commonly used for converting JSON and XML data into Java objects. When these libraries deserialize untrusted input without proper security controls, they can be tricked into executing malicious code during the object reconstruction phase. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through various integration points within Apache Camel applications, including HTTP endpoints, message queues, and file processing components that utilize Jackson for data transformation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of Java deserialization weaknesses that are well-documented in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under CWE-502, which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a critical security flaw. Attackers can craft malicious JSON or XML payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable Camel components, trigger the instantiation of malicious Java classes through the Jackson library's reflection capabilities. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the running Camel application. The attack surface is extensive since Apache Camel is widely used for enterprise integration patterns, making this vulnerability particularly impactful across various industries including finance, healthcare, and government sectors. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the exploitation typically results in command execution on the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8749 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Organizations using vulnerable Apache Camel versions may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including web services, file uploads, and message broker communications that utilize Camel's integration capabilities. Security teams must consider that this vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks, persistence mechanisms, and data exfiltration operations. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with insufficient network segmentation or monitoring controls. Organizations should also be aware that this vulnerability may be combined with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack chains, potentially leading to full system compromise and enterprise-wide data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8749 primarily focus on upgrading to patched versions of Apache Camel, specifically version 2.18.0 or later for the 2.18.x branch, and 2.17.4 or later for the 2.17.x branch. Organizations should also implement strict input validation and sanitization controls within their integration flows, particularly for any data that originates from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit the exposure of vulnerable Camel applications to external threats. Security monitoring should be strengthened to detect unusual deserialization patterns and suspicious data processing activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application firewalls, runtime application self-protection solutions, and regular security assessments of their integration platforms. The implementation of secure coding practices and regular security training for development teams can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future applications. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive incident response plans that specifically address deserialization attack scenarios and ensure regular vulnerability scanning of their integration infrastructure to identify and remediate similar security weaknesses.