CVE-2018-14718 in Retail Merchandising System
Summary
by MITRE
FasterXML jackson-databind 2.x before 2.9.7 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging failure to block the slf4j-ext class from polymorphic deserialization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14718 affects the FasterXML jackson-databind library version 2.x prior to 2.9.7, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper handling of polymorphic deserialization. This issue specifically targets the failure to properly block the slf4j-ext class during the deserialization process, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the system remotely. The vulnerability falls under the category of deserialization flaws and is classified as a polymorphic deserialization vulnerability that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The technical flaw stems from the library's inability to adequately restrict the types of objects that can be deserialized during the processing of JSON data. When jackson-databind encounters serialized data containing references to the slf4j-ext class, it fails to properly validate or restrict the deserialization process, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that can execute arbitrary code on the target system. This occurs because the library's default configuration does not sufficiently protect against the instantiation of potentially dangerous classes during deserialization operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core of data processing functionality, where JSON data is commonly received from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across various systems that utilize the affected jackson-databind library. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code on systems processing JSON data, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects applications that deserialize JSON data from external sources without proper input validation, making it a significant concern for web applications, APIs, and any system processing untrusted JSON input. This flaw can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications, REST APIs, and any service that accepts JSON data for processing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in cloud environments and microservices architectures where JSON serialization is commonly used for inter-service communication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14718 primarily involve upgrading to jackson-databind version 2.9.7 or later, which includes proper restrictions on polymorphic deserialization. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as configuring the library to disable default typing, using custom deserializers, and implementing proper input validation for all JSON data processing. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes deserialization of untrusted data, and represents a specific instance of the broader class of deserialization vulnerabilities that are frequently targeted by attackers. Security practitioners should also consider implementing runtime protections and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, highlighting the remote code execution capabilities and the attack surface that this vulnerability presents. Organizations should also review their application security practices and ensure that all JSON processing components are updated to prevent exploitation of this and similar deserialization vulnerabilities.