CVE-2018-18240 in Pippo
Summary
by MITRE
Pippo through 1.11.0 allows remote code execution via a command to java.lang.ProcessBuilder because the XstreamEngine component does not use XStream's available protection mechanisms to restrict unmarshalling.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18240 resides within the Pippo framework version 1.11.0 and earlier, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that stems from improper handling of object deserialization. This vulnerability specifically affects the XstreamEngine component which is responsible for processing XML data within the framework. The core issue manifests when the framework receives untrusted input through XML payloads that are processed using XStream's deserialization mechanism without adequate security restrictions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the absence of proper protection mechanisms within XStream's unmarshalling process. When the XstreamEngine component processes incoming XML data, it fails to implement XStream's built-in security features that are designed to prevent dangerous object instantiation during deserialization. This omission creates a pathway for attackers to craft malicious XML payloads that, when processed, can execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-502 which categorizes insecure deserialization as a significant security weakness allowing attackers to manipulate object instantiation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the affected systems. An attacker who can send specially crafted XML data to a vulnerable Pippo application can potentially execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the application server process. This capability enables complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects any system running Pippo framework versions 1.11.0 or earlier that process untrusted XML input, making it particularly dangerous in web applications that accept user-provided data through XML endpoints. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through standard web application attacks such as XML external entity processing or direct command injection payloads that exploit the deserialization flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-18240 must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves upgrading to Pippo framework version 1.11.1 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all XML processing components, ensuring that XStream's security features are enabled and properly configured. Security measures should include restricting XStream's ability to instantiate dangerous classes, implementing strict class white-listing, and employing additional layers of protection such as network segmentation and application firewalls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution tactic, highlighting the importance of protecting application boundaries from untrusted input processing. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web application interfaces, API endpoints, and any XML processing mechanisms within the affected framework.