CVE-2016-9571 in Camel
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Camel's camel-jackson and camel-jacksonxml components are vulnerable to Java object de-serialization vulnerability. Camel allows to specify such a type through the 'CamelJacksonUnmarshalType' property. De-serializing untrusted data can lead to security flaws as demonstrated in various similar reports about Java de-serialization issues.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2016-9571 affects Apache Camel's camel-jackson and camel-jacksonxml components, representing a critical security flaw in the Java serialization mechanism. This issue stems from the improper handling of deserialization processes within the Camel framework, specifically when processing data through the CamelJacksonUnmarshalType property. The vulnerability exposes systems to potential remote code execution attacks when untrusted data is processed through these components, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Camel is extensively used for integration services. The flaw is categorized under CWE-502 as "Deserialization of Untrusted Data," which is a well-documented weakness in software security that has been exploited in numerous high-profile attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Apache Camel components receive input data that contains serialized Java objects, particularly in scenarios involving web services, message queues, or file processing. When the CamelJacksonUnmarshalType property is set to specify the target type for deserialization, the framework fails to properly validate or sanitize the incoming serialized data. This allows attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable components, can execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it leverages the inherent trust model of Java serialization, where objects are deserialized without sufficient validation of their contents, enabling attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9571 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations using Apache Camel in production environments are at risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and service disruption when this vulnerability is exploited. The attack surface is broad since Camel is widely used in enterprise integration patterns, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain persistent access to network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications, message brokers, and file processing systems that utilize Camel's Jackson components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python' and T1133 for 'External Remote Services' as attackers can leverage the deserialization flaw to establish persistent access and execute commands remotely.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9571 require immediate attention and comprehensive implementation across affected systems. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Apache Camel versions that contain the necessary security patches, specifically versions 2.18.1, 2.17.4, and 2.16.4 which address this vulnerability. In addition to version upgrades, administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for any data that flows through Camel's Jackson unmarshaling components. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable Camel components to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious deserialization activities, and organizations should consider implementing application firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious serialized object patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper object validation mechanisms as recommended by OWASP and other security standards, since the root cause lies in insufficient validation of serialized data inputs that should never be trusted without proper sanitization and verification processes.