CVE-2017-3199 in GraniteDS
Summary
by MITRE
The Java implementation of GraniteDS, version 3.1.1.GA, AMF3 deserializers derives class instances from java.io.Externalizable rather than the AMF3 specification's recommendation of flash.utils.IExternalizable. A remote attacker with the ability to spoof or control an RMI server connection may be able to send serialized Java objects that execute arbitrary code when deserialized.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3199 resides within the GraniteDS Java implementation version 3.1.1.GA and specifically affects the AMF3 deserialization process. This flaw manifests in how the system handles class instance derivation during deserialization operations, creating a significant security risk for applications that rely on this framework for remote method invocation and data exchange. The issue stems from a deviation from established AMF3 specification requirements, where the implementation incorrectly inherits from java.io.Externalizable instead of adhering to the specification's recommended flash.utils.IExternalizable interface.
The technical flaw represents a critical deserialization vulnerability that enables remote code execution through manipulated serialized object streams. When the AMF3 deserializer processes incoming data, it fails to properly validate the class hierarchy and type information contained within serialized objects. This improper handling allows an attacker to craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable system, can execute arbitrary code on the target server. The vulnerability specifically exploits the difference between java.io.Externalizable and flash.utils.IExternalizable interfaces, which have distinct security implications for object instantiation and method invocation during deserialization.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to enterprise environments that utilize GraniteDS for RMI communications and web services. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to backend systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the attacker only needs to control or spoof an RMI server connection to deliver malicious payloads. This makes it especially concerning for applications that expose RMI endpoints or rely on AMF3-based communication protocols.
The security implications of CVE-2017-3199 align with several common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those involving deserialization attacks and remote code execution. This vulnerability maps to CWE-502 which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation during object deserialization can lead to arbitrary code execution. Organizations using this vulnerable version of GraniteDS should immediately implement mitigations including network segmentation, input validation, and application-level restrictions on RMI connections. The recommended approach involves updating to a patched version of GraniteDS that properly implements the AMF3 specification or implementing additional security controls such as deserialization filters and runtime monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.