CVE-2018-1313 in Derby
Summary
by MITRE
In Apache Derby 10.3.1.4 to 10.14.1.0, a specially-crafted network packet can be used to request the Derby Network Server to boot a database whose location and contents are under the user's control. If the Derby Network Server is not running with a Java Security Manager policy file, the attack is successful. If the server is using a policy file, the policy file must permit the database location to be read for the attack to work. The default Derby Network Server policy file distributed with the affected releases includes a permissive policy as the default Network Server policy, which allows the attack to work.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2020
Apache Derby represents a widely-deployed embedded database system that operates as a network server, making it a critical component in many enterprise applications. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1313 specifically targets the Derby Network Server's handling of database boot requests through network communications. This flaw exists in versions ranging from 10.3.1.4 through 10.14.1.0, indicating a prolonged period of exposure across multiple release cycles. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of database location parameters within network packets, allowing remote attackers to manipulate the database boot process through crafted network requests.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability operates through improper input validation within the network protocol handling layer of Derby's server implementation. When a network packet is received containing a database boot request, the server processes the specified database location without adequate verification of the path or permissions. This weakness falls under CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-264, representing permissions, privileges, and access controls. Attackers can exploit this by crafting network packets that specify arbitrary database locations, potentially pointing to files under their control or locations that would otherwise be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating a potential for complete system compromise when the Derby Network Server operates without proper security policies. In environments where the server runs without a Java Security Manager policy file, the attack succeeds automatically, allowing adversaries to load and execute database content from controlled locations. This scenario particularly affects systems where Derby servers are configured with default security settings, which according to the vulnerability description includes a permissive default policy file. The default policy file distributed with affected releases contains insufficient restrictions that permit database location reading operations, making the system vulnerable to exploitation.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1059, representing command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially execute malicious database content through this vector. When combined with other attack vectors, this vulnerability could enable attackers to perform unauthorized database operations, access sensitive data, or potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests that organizations running Derby servers should conduct immediate assessments of their security configurations, particularly focusing on whether default policy files have been properly modified.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1313 require immediate attention to security policy configuration. Organizations should ensure that Derby Network Servers operate with properly configured Java Security Manager policy files that restrict database location access to legitimate paths only. The default policy file distributed with Derby should be replaced with a more restrictive configuration that prevents arbitrary database loading. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to Derby network ports to trusted sources only. Regular security audits should verify that security policies remain properly configured and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred to the default Derby installation files. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring for unusual database boot requests and network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.