CVE-2018-7489 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE
FasterXML jackson-databind before 2.7.9.3, 2.8.x before 2.8.11.1 and 2.9.x before 2.9.5 allows unauthenticated remote code execution because of an incomplete fix for the CVE-2017-7525 deserialization flaw. This is exploitable by sending maliciously crafted JSON input to the readValue method of the ObjectMapper, bypassing a blacklist that is ineffective if the c3p0 libraries are available in the classpath.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7489 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the FasterXML jackson-databind library, a widely used Java library for processing JSON data. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 2.7.9.3, 2.8.x before 2.8.11.1, and 2.9.x before 2.9.5, making it a pervasive issue across multiple release branches of the library. The flaw stems from an incomplete remediation of the earlier CVE-2017-7525 vulnerability, creating a persistent security gap that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the readValue method of the ObjectMapper class, which serves as the primary interface for deserializing JSON data into Java objects within applications using this library.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on a bypass of the original blacklist protection measures implemented to prevent deserialization attacks. When the jackson-databind library processes maliciously crafted JSON input, it attempts to deserialize objects from the input stream into Java objects. The vulnerability occurs when the classpath contains the c3p0 libraries, which provide an alternative deserialization pathway that circumvents the security restrictions. This creates a scenario where attackers can leverage the c3p0 library's deserialization capabilities to execute arbitrary code without requiring authentication. The flaw demonstrates a classic insecure deserialization vulnerability pattern that aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and represents a sophisticated bypass technique that evades traditional protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7489 is severe and far-reaching, affecting countless applications and systems that depend on jackson-databind for JSON processing. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any user with access to the vulnerable application's JSON processing endpoints can exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in web applications and APIs. Systems running applications that utilize vulnerable versions of jackson-databind are at risk of being compromised, with potential consequences including full system takeover, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in widely used software components increases the attack surface significantly, as organizations often deploy applications that may not be immediately aware of the vulnerable library versions they contain.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions of jackson-databind to mitigate this vulnerability, with specific version requirements of 2.7.9.3, 2.8.11.1, and 2.9.5 or later. The remediation process involves identifying all applications and systems that utilize jackson-databind and updating to the secure versions, which may require coordination between development teams and system administrators. Additional mitigations include implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to JSON processing endpoints, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious JSON payloads, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential attack vectors. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services, and demonstrates how incomplete security fixes can create persistent threats that require careful attention to software supply chain security and proper patch management processes.