CVE-2018-14721 in NoSQL Database
Summary
by MITRE
FasterXML jackson-databind 2.x before 2.9.7 might allow remote attackers to conduct server-side request forgery (SSRF) attacks by leveraging failure to block the axis2-jaxws class from polymorphic deserialization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14721 affects the FasterXML jackson-databind library version 2.x prior to 2.9.7, presenting a significant security risk that enables remote attackers to execute server-side request forgery attacks. This issue stems from the library's insufficient validation mechanisms during polymorphic deserialization processes, specifically failing to properly block the axis2-jaxws class from being deserialized. The vulnerability operates within the context of Java applications that utilize jackson-databind for object serialization and deserialization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the deserialization flow and potentially access internal network resources or external systems.
The technical flaw resides in the polymorphic deserialization mechanism within jackson-databind, where the library does not adequately restrict which classes can be deserialized during the object reconstruction process. When the axis2-jaxws class is included in the deserialization chain, it can trigger unintended network requests to arbitrary URLs, allowing attackers to bypass normal network restrictions and access internal services that would otherwise be protected by firewalls or network segmentation. This occurs because the deserialization process lacks proper class validation, enabling attackers to specify malicious class names that can result in outbound network connections to attacker-controlled endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to perform server-side request forgery attacks that can lead to unauthorized access to internal systems, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted JSON payloads that include references to the axis2-jaxws class, which when processed by the vulnerable jackson-databind library, triggers network requests to specified targets. This capability enables attackers to probe internal network services, access sensitive information, or even redirect traffic to malicious endpoints, making it particularly dangerous in environments where internal network access is restricted.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to jackson-databind version 2.9.7 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as this release includes proper class validation mechanisms that prevent the deserialization of potentially dangerous classes. Additional mitigations include implementing network-level restrictions that block outbound connections from application servers to internal services, configuring proper input validation for all JSON data received by applications, and employing application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems to monitor and block suspicious network requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol tunneling, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and class restriction in serialization libraries, as the failure to properly validate deserialization inputs can lead to serious security consequences. The issue highlights the broader challenge of securing object serialization mechanisms in modern applications and underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security libraries and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.