CVE-2017-7525 in Communications
Summary
by MITRE
A deserialization flaw was discovered in the jackson-databind, versions before 2.6.7.1, 2.7.9.1 and 2.8.9, which could allow an unauthenticated user to perform code execution by sending the maliciously crafted input to the readValue method of the ObjectMapper.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2023
The CVE-2017-7525 vulnerability represents a critical deserialization flaw in the popular Jackson data binding library, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.6.7.1, 2.7.9.1, and 2.8.9. This vulnerability resides within the jackson-databind component that is widely used across enterprise applications for processing json data. The flaw manifests when the readValue method of the ObjectMapper class processes maliciously crafted input, creating a pathway for remote code execution without requiring authentication. The vulnerability operates through the dangerous practice of deserializing untrusted data without proper validation or sanitization, which is a fundamental security anti-pattern that has been documented in various security frameworks and standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Jackson's default configuration allowing deserialization of arbitrary classes. When an application uses the ObjectMapper to deserialize data, it automatically attempts to instantiate objects based on the type information embedded within the serialized data. Attackers can exploit this behavior by crafting malicious JSON payloads that contain class references pointing to dangerous classes such as java.util.HashMap, which can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through any API endpoint that accepts JSON input and processes it through the ObjectMapper's readValue method, making it applicable to web services, mobile applications, and server-side components that utilize Jackson for data processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7525 extends far beyond simple data corruption or denial of service scenarios. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the running application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is extensive since Jackson is used in countless applications across different industries including financial services, healthcare, and government sectors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. According to the CWE catalog, this vulnerability maps to CWE-502 which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a critical weakness that enables attackers to manipulate the deserialization process and execute malicious code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code execution technique that can be used to establish persistence, escalate privileges, and move laterally within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7525 primarily focus on updating the affected Jackson library to patched versions that disable dangerous deserialization behaviors by default. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Jackson versions 2.6.7.1, 2.7.9.1, or 2.8.9, which include security patches that restrict deserialization of untrusted data. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation and sanitization, using custom deserialization configurations that restrict which classes can be instantiated, and employing security libraries such as jackson-databind's built-in security features or third-party tools like the Jackson Security Module. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and API gateways can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block malicious payloads. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing the principle of least privilege when processing external data, as outlined in various security standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security assessments and dependency monitoring are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into applications through outdated or unpatched components.