CVE-2018-1297 in JMeter
Summary
by MITRE
When using Distributed Test only (RMI based), Apache JMeter 2.x and 3.x uses an unsecured RMI connection. 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-2018-1297 represents a critical security flaw in Apache JMeter versions 2.x and 3.x that operates within distributed testing environments using RMI connections. This weakness specifically affects the Distributed Test functionality where JMeter instances communicate through Remote Method Invocation protocols without implementing proper authentication or encryption mechanisms. The flaw exists in the core architecture of how JMeter handles remote connections during load testing operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to the JMeterEngine component that controls test execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of secure communication channels within the RMI framework used by JMeter's distributed testing capabilities. When JMeter operates in distributed mode, it establishes RMI connections between the controller and remote agents to coordinate test execution and collect results. However, these connections lack authentication mechanisms that would verify the identity of connecting parties or encrypt the data being transmitted. This unsecured communication channel allows malicious actors to intercept RMI communications and potentially establish unauthorized connections to the JMeterEngine, which serves as the central control component for test execution. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of remote method invocation protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code within the JMeter environment. Once an attacker gains access to the JMeterEngine through the unsecured RMI connection, they can potentially manipulate test configurations, inject malicious code into test scenarios, or even disrupt legitimate testing operations. This capability enables attackers to compromise the integrity of load testing results, potentially leading to false positives or negatives in performance assessments. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on distributed JMeter testing for critical applications, as it could be exploited to undermine the reliability of performance testing data or to gain access to systems under test.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Apache JMeter versions 4.0 or later where security enhancements have been implemented to address RMI communication issues. Additionally, network-level protections should be deployed including firewall rules that restrict RMI port access to trusted IP addresses only, and the implementation of network segmentation to isolate JMeter environments from production systems. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms such as SSL/TLS encryption for RMI connections when possible, and regularly audit RMI connection configurations to ensure no unauthorized access points exist. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple attack vectors.