CVE-2018-8018 in Ignite
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Ignite 2.5 and earlier serialization mechanism does not have a list of classes allowed for serialization/deserialization, which makes it possible to run arbitrary code when 3-rd party vulnerable classes are present in Ignite classpath. The vulnerability can be exploited if the one sends a specially prepared form of a serialized object to GridClientJdkMarshaller deserialization endpoint.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2023
Apache Ignite versions 2.5 and earlier contain a critical serialization vulnerability that stems from the absence of a whitelist mechanism for class validation during the serialization and deserialization processes. This fundamental flaw in the system's security architecture creates an environment where malicious actors can execute arbitrary code by exploiting the lack of proper class restrictions. The vulnerability specifically affects the GridClientJdkMarshaller component which serves as the deserialization endpoint for serialized objects within the Ignite framework. When third-party vulnerable classes are present in the Ignite classpath, an attacker can craft specially prepared serialized objects that bypass normal security checks and trigger unintended code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a common security weakness where applications deserialize data without proper validation of the source or content. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate the deserialization process by sending malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the GridClientJdkMarshaller, can execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability operates at the application level and leverages the inherent trust placed in the serialization mechanism, allowing attackers to exploit the absence of proper input validation and class restriction controls. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the malicious code execution occurs within the context of the running Ignite process.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8018 is severe and can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who gains the ability to send serialized objects to the affected Ignite nodes can potentially execute arbitrary commands, escalate privileges, or establish persistence within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects distributed computing environments where Ignite is used for caching, computing, or data grid operations, as it can be exploited remotely through network connections to the affected services. The consequences extend beyond immediate code execution to include data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations using Apache Ignite in production environments are at significant risk, especially when third-party libraries with known vulnerabilities are included in the classpath, creating additional attack surfaces that can be leveraged by threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper class whitelisting mechanisms and restricting the deserialization process to only trusted classes. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache Ignite versions 2.6 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced serialization controls and proper class validation. The implementation of a security policy that restricts the classpath and removes unnecessary third-party libraries can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to Ignite endpoints to only trusted sources. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual deserialization activities, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the application architecture. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" when considering the exploitation techniques that leverage deserialization flaws.