CVE-2018-8033 in OFBiz
Summary
by MITRE
In Apache OFBiz 16.11.01 to 16.11.04, the OFBiz HTTP engine (org.apache.ofbiz.service.engine.HttpEngine.java) handles requests for HTTP services via the /webtools/control/httpService endpoint. Both POST and GET requests to the httpService endpoint may contain three parameters: serviceName, serviceMode, and serviceContext. The exploitation occurs by having DOCTYPEs pointing to external references that trigger a payload that returns secret information from the host.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8033 affects Apache OFBiz versions 16.11.01 through 16.11.04, specifically within the HTTP engine component responsible for processing service requests through the /webtools/control/httpService endpoint. This flaw represents a significant security risk as it enables remote attackers to exploit XML external entity processing mechanisms to extract sensitive information from the host system. The vulnerability manifests when the OFBiz HTTP engine processes HTTP service requests that contain parameters including serviceName, serviceMode, and serviceContext, creating an attack surface where maliciously crafted XML documents can be leveraged for information disclosure.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on XML external entity (XXE) vulnerabilities where attackers can craft malicious requests containing DOCTYPE declarations that reference external resources. These DOCTYPE declarations can point to external references that trigger payloads designed to return secret information from the host system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the HTTP engine's processing of XML content, allowing attackers to inject malicious XML entities that can access local files, network resources, or execute arbitrary commands. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference) and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) when considering the potential for command execution through the exploited XML processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, system configurations, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. The exploitation capability allows for reconnaissance activities where attackers can map the internal network structure, identify running services, and gather credentials or other confidential information stored on the host system. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using Apache OFBiz for business process management and e-commerce applications, where the system may contain sensitive business data, customer information, and financial records. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed web interfaces.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Apache OFBiz version 16.11.05 or later, which contains the necessary patches for this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing strict XML parsing policies that disable external entity resolution, configuring web application firewalls to filter suspicious XML content, and applying network segmentation to limit access to the vulnerable endpoint. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor network traffic for suspicious patterns related to XXE attacks. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability is fully addressed without introducing regressions in system functionality, as the HTTP engine serves critical business functions within the OFBiz framework.