CVE-2017-14702 in Data System
Summary
by MITRE
ERS Data System 1.8.1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, related to "com.branaghgroup.ecers.update.UpdateRequest" object deserialization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14702 affects ERS Data System version 1.8.1.0 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw stemming from unsafe object deserialization practices within the application's update mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets the "com.branaghgroup.ecers.update.UpdateRequest" object which handles update requests from remote clients, creating an attack surface where maliciously crafted serialized data can be processed without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of serialized Java objects during the deserialization process, which falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-502. When the application receives an update request containing maliciously crafted serialized data, the deserialization routine fails to validate the incoming object structure, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary code that executes within the context of the application's runtime environment. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it bypasses traditional input validation mechanisms and can be leveraged to achieve full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain persistent access to the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on the ERS Data System for data processing and management, particularly in enterprise environments where such systems may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability from remote locations without requiring authentication, making it highly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns and increasing the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14702 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected ERS Data System version to the latest available release that addresses the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running the vulnerable software and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious deserialization patterns. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary network services, and conducting thorough security assessments of all Java applications that handle external serialized data to identify similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures alongside traditional network-based defenses.