CVE-2017-3159 in Camel
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Camel's camel-snakeyaml component is vulnerable to Java object de-serialization vulnerability. De-serializing untrusted data can lead to security flaws.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3159 affects Apache Camel's camel-snakeyaml component, which is designed to handle yaml data format processing within the Apache Camel integration framework. This component leverages SnakeYAML library for yaml parsing and serialization operations, creating a potential attack surface where maliciously crafted yaml payloads could be exploited. The issue stems from insufficient validation of serialized data during the deserialization process, allowing attackers to inject malicious objects that can execute arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as Apache Camel is widely used in enterprise integration scenarios where it often processes data from untrusted sources such as external APIs, user inputs, or file uploads.
The technical flaw resides in the deserialization mechanism of the camel-snakeyaml component where it fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before attempting to reconstruct Java objects from serialized representations. When the component processes yaml data containing malicious serialized objects, the underlying SnakeYAML library attempts to deserialize these objects without adequate security checks, potentially leading to remote code execution. This type of vulnerability is classified as a deserialization flaw that aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" and is commonly exploited in attack frameworks targeting Java applications. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications that accept yaml input from users or external systems, making it particularly dangerous in integration environments where data flow between different systems is common.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3159 is significant as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, or service disruption. In enterprise environments where Apache Camel is used for integration between different applications and services, this vulnerability can serve as a gateway for lateral movement within the network. The attack surface extends beyond simple web applications to include any system that processes yaml data through the vulnerable camel-snakeyaml component, including middleware systems, integration platforms, and automated deployment pipelines that might utilize yaml configuration files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3159 should focus on immediate patching of affected Apache Camel versions, specifically ensuring that the camel-snakeyaml component is updated to versions that address the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all yaml data processing, including the implementation of custom deserialization filters that reject known dangerous object types. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable Apache Camel instances, particularly those processing untrusted yaml input. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual deserialization activities or attempts to exploit this vulnerability through log analysis and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application-level firewalls or web application firewalls that can filter malicious yaml payloads before they reach the vulnerable component, and should conduct thorough security testing including penetration testing to verify that the mitigations are effective. The remediation process should also include a comprehensive review of all yaml processing components within the application stack to identify and address similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other libraries or frameworks.