CVE-2018-11040 in Spring Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Spring Framework, versions 5.0.x prior to 5.0.7 and 4.3.x prior to 4.3.18 and older unsupported versions, allows web applications to enable cross-domain requests via JSONP (JSON with Padding) through AbstractJsonpResponseBodyAdvice for REST controllers and MappingJackson2JsonView for browser requests. Both are not enabled by default in Spring Framework nor Spring Boot, however, when MappingJackson2JsonView is configured in an application, JSONP support is automatically ready to use through the "jsonp" and "callback" JSONP parameters, enabling cross-domain requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-11040 resides within the Spring Framework's handling of cross-domain requests through JSONP (JSON with Padding) mechanisms. This security flaw affects specific versions of Spring Framework including 5.0.x prior to 5.0.7 and 4.3.x prior to 4.3.18, along with older unsupported versions. The vulnerability stems from the automatic enabling of JSONP support when certain view configurations are present, creating an unintended attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. The issue manifests through two primary pathways: AbstractJsonpResponseBodyAdvice for REST controllers and MappingJackson2JsonView for browser requests, both of which can be leveraged to bypass normal cross-origin restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Spring Framework's default configuration where MappingJackson2JsonView, when configured in an application, automatically enables JSONP functionality through the "jsonp" and "callback" parameters. This automatic enabling occurs without explicit developer consent or awareness, creating a potential security risk that aligns with CWE-829, which addresses the inclusion of untrusted data in a command or expression. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within the web framework's request handling and response generation mechanisms. When these parameters are present in HTTP requests, the framework processes them and generates responses that can be used to execute cross-domain requests, effectively bypassing the browser's same-origin policy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations running affected Spring Framework versions, as it creates a potential vector for cross-site scripting attacks and data exfiltration. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that leverage the JSONP functionality to access sensitive data from different origins, particularly in scenarios where applications are not properly configured to restrict cross-domain access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently in the background, with no explicit warnings or alerts to developers about the automatic enabling of potentially dangerous functionality. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of script-based commands, and T1566, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities through web applications.
Organizations should prioritize updating to the patched versions of Spring Framework, specifically versions 5.0.7 and 4.3.18 or later, to address this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should review their application configurations to ensure that MappingJackson2JsonView is not unnecessarily configured, and that explicit cross-domain policies are implemented. The mitigation strategy should include disabling JSONP support where it is not required, implementing proper input validation for the "jsonp" and "callback" parameters, and conducting thorough security reviews of web application configurations. Security teams should also monitor for any unauthorized modifications to application configurations that might inadvertently enable this functionality. The vulnerability represents a classic example of insecure default configurations that can lead to significant security implications when not properly managed, emphasizing the importance of principle of least privilege and explicit security configuration in enterprise web applications.