CVE-2018-11758 in Cayenne
Summary
by MITRE
This affects Apache Cayenne 4.1.M1, 3.2.M1, 4.0.M2 to 4.0.M5, 4.0.B1, 4.0.B2, 4.0.RC1, 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2. CayenneModeler is a desktop GUI tool shipped with Apache Cayenne and intended for editing Cayenne ORM models stored as XML files. If an attacker tricks a user of CayenneModeler into opening a malicious XML file, the attacker will be able to instruct the XML parser built into CayenneModeler to transfer files from a local machine to a remote machine controlled by the attacker. The cause of the issue is XML parser processing XML External Entity (XXE) declarations included in XML. The vulnerability is addressed in Cayenne by disabling XXE processing in all operations that require XML parsing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2020
Apache Cayenne represents a powerful object-relational mapping framework that facilitates database interactions through Java applications. The vulnerability CVE-2018-11758 specifically targets the CayenneModeler component, which serves as a desktop graphical user interface tool for designing and editing Cayenne ORM models stored in XML format. This desktop application acts as a critical development tool for database schema management and object mapping, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise developer environments. The vulnerability stems from the application's XML parser implementation, which fails to properly restrict external entity processing, creating a dangerous attack surface for remote code execution and data exfiltration.
The technical flaw manifests through XML External Entity (XXE) processing, a well-documented vulnerability category classified under CWE-611 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. When CayenneModeler processes malicious XML files, the embedded XXE declarations instruct the XML parser to resolve external entities and potentially transfer local files to remote attacker-controlled servers. This vulnerability operates through the standard XML parser mechanisms that are typically enabled by default in many applications, making it particularly dangerous as users may unknowingly open compromised files. The attack vector requires social engineering to trick users into opening malicious XML files, but once executed, the vulnerability allows for arbitrary file transfers from the victim's local system to remote locations, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, source code, or database credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration, as it represents a significant compromise of developer workstation security. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from development environments, potentially gaining access to database connection strings, application configurations, or other development artifacts that could be used for further attacks against production systems. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Apache Cayenne, spanning from version 3.1 through 4.1.M1, indicating a prolonged period where the XXE processing was not properly secured. This widespread impact across different releases suggests that the security issue was not adequately addressed in earlier patches, leaving many organizations vulnerable for extended periods. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for remote code execution and T1074.001 for data staging, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams.
Mitigation efforts for CVE-2018-11758 require immediate action to upgrade to patched versions of Apache Cayenne where XXE processing has been disabled across all XML parsing operations. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for any XML files opened in CayenneModeler, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted parties. The recommended approach involves configuring XML parsers to disable external entity resolution entirely, a practice aligned with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual file transfer patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted XML files and the implementation of application whitelisting for development tools can provide additional layers of protection against this vulnerability. The fix implemented by Apache Cayenne demonstrates proper security hardening by completely disabling XXE processing in all XML parsing operations, a solution that aligns with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth security strategies.