CVE-2018-1287 in JMeter
Summary
by MITRE
In Apache JMeter 2.X and 3.X, when using Distributed Test only (RMI based), jmeter server binds RMI Registry to wildcard host. This could allow an attacker to get Access to JMeterEngine and send unauthorized code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1287 affects Apache JMeter versions 2.X and 3.X, specifically when operating in distributed test mode using RMI (Remote Method Invocation) based communication. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in the remote execution capabilities of the load testing tool. The vulnerability stems from the jmeter server's default configuration where the RMI registry binds to a wildcard host address rather than a specific network interface. This configuration allows the RMI registry to accept connections from any host that can reach the server, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the JMeter engine.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the RMI registry binding process within the jmeter server component. When distributed testing is enabled, the server creates an RMI registry instance that listens on all available network interfaces due to the wildcard host binding. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of network service configuration and creates an opportunity for remote code execution attacks. An attacker who can establish a connection to the RMI registry port can potentially access the JMeterEngine object and execute arbitrary code on the server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and specifically demonstrates weak privilege management in distributed computing environments. The flaw essentially allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to gain access to the underlying JMeter engine functionality, which could be leveraged for further exploitation or to disrupt the load testing infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1287 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete compromise of the load testing environment. Attackers can potentially execute malicious code on the jmeter server, which may result in data exfiltration, service disruption, or use of the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. In enterprise environments where JMeter is used for critical performance testing of applications, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate test results or gain access to sensitive testing data. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated using standard RMI exploitation techniques. Organizations using distributed JMeter configurations without proper network segmentation or firewall rules are especially vulnerable to this attack, as the RMI registry becomes accessible from any network location.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1287 should focus on both immediate configuration changes and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves configuring the jmeter server to bind the RMI registry to specific network interfaces rather than wildcard addresses, which can be achieved through proper JVM arguments or configuration file modifications. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to the RMI registry ports, typically 1099 and the dynamically assigned ports used by RMI. The implementation of authentication mechanisms for RMI connections and the use of encrypted communication channels can significantly reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability can be addressed through ATT&CK technique T1059, which focuses on command and script injection, as well as T1071, which covers application layer protocol usage. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized RMI connections and establish proper access control lists to restrict who can connect to the jmeter server. Regular updates to Apache JMeter to versions that address this vulnerability should be prioritized, as newer releases have improved security configurations and default settings that prevent wildcard binding.