CVE-2019-0192 in Big Data Graph
Summary
by MITRE
In Apache Solr versions 5.0.0 to 5.5.5 and 6.0.0 to 6.6.5, the Config API allows to configure the JMX server via an HTTP POST request. By pointing it to a malicious RMI server, an attacker could take advantage of Solr's unsafe deserialization to trigger remote code execution on the Solr side.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2025
Apache Solr versions 5.0.0 through 5.5.5 and 6.0.0 through 6.6.5 contain a critical vulnerability in their configuration API that enables remote code execution through unsafe deserialization. This flaw exists within the JMX server configuration mechanism where the system accepts HTTP POST requests to configure JMX settings. When an attacker crafts a malicious request pointing to a remote RMI server, the vulnerable system performs unsafe deserialization of data received through the configuration API. The vulnerability stems from the system's lack of proper input validation and sanitization when processing JMX configuration parameters, allowing arbitrary data to be deserialized without proper security checks. This represents a classic unsafe deserialization flaw that aligns with CWE-502, where untrusted data is deserialized without adequate validation, leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system. The attack vector exploits the inherent trust relationship between Solr and its JMX components, where legitimate configuration updates are processed without sufficient security boundaries to prevent malicious payload injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected Solr servers with the privileges of the Solr process. This remote code execution capability enables full system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy malicious payloads, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking other systems. The vulnerability affects organizations running vulnerable Solr versions in production environments, particularly those with exposed management interfaces or insufficient network segmentation. The RMI protocol used in the attack chain makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to leverage the Java Remote Method Invocation infrastructure to execute malicious code remotely. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a high-risk threat that could result in complete system compromise and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0192 involve multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to Apache Solr versions 6.6.6 or 7.7.3, which contain patches addressing the unsafe deserialization vulnerability in the JMX configuration API. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to Solr management interfaces, ensuring that only trusted administrative networks can reach the vulnerable endpoints. Additional protective measures include disabling the JMX configuration API if it is not required, implementing strict input validation for all configuration parameters, and monitoring for suspicious HTTP POST requests targeting JMX endpoints. Network-level protections such as firewall rules and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious RMI connections. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices around deserialization and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through Java deserialization, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls and runtime protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for exposed Solr management interfaces to ensure proper protection against this and similar vulnerabilities.