CVE-2018-1273 in Healthcare Data Repository
Summary
by MITRE
Spring Data Commons, versions prior to 1.13 to 1.13.10, 2.0 to 2.0.5, and older unsupported versions, contain a property binder vulnerability caused by improper neutralization of special elements. An unauthenticated remote malicious user (or attacker) can supply specially crafted request parameters against Spring Data REST backed HTTP resources or using Spring Data's projection-based request payload binding hat can lead to a remote code execution attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
Spring Data Commons represents a critical vulnerability classified as CVE-2018-1273 that affects multiple versions of the Spring Data framework ecosystem. This vulnerability resides within the property binder component responsible for mapping incoming HTTP request parameters to Java object properties during data binding operations. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of special characters and control sequences within request parameters, creating a pathway for malicious input manipulation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted request payloads that bypass normal validation mechanisms and inject arbitrary code execution commands through the data binding process. The vulnerability specifically impacts Spring Data REST endpoints and projection-based request payload binding mechanisms, where user-supplied parameters are directly mapped to object properties without proper input validation.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-1273 follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with common web application vulnerability classifications including CWE-74 and CWE-94 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through HTTP request parameters that contain malicious payloads designed to manipulate the property binding process. When Spring Data Commons processes these crafted parameters, the improper neutralization allows attackers to inject code that executes within the application context. The vulnerability enables remote code execution because the framework does not adequately sanitize user input before mapping it to object properties, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary Java code or command sequences that can be executed by the underlying JVM. This creates a severe security risk where attackers can gain full control over the affected system's execution environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1273 extends far beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities within the targeted application environment. Systems utilizing affected Spring Data versions become vulnerable to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify application behavior, and potentially escalate privileges. The vulnerability affects both Spring Data REST endpoints and projection-based request handling, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors within the same application. Organizations running affected versions face significant risks including data breaches, system takeover, and potential lateral movement within network environments where these applications reside. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any user with access to the affected HTTP endpoints can exploit this vulnerability without requiring prior authentication or authorization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1273 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of Spring Data Commons, specifically versions 1.13.10, 2.0.6, and later. Organizations should prioritize updating their Spring Data dependencies to ensure proper input sanitization and neutralization of special elements within request parameters. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and API gateways can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Spring Data versions and implement proper input validation at multiple levels within their applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution technique, emphasizing the need for robust application-level defenses and regular security patch management procedures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logging of all HTTP request parameters for forensic analysis purposes.