CVE-2019-10173 in BAM (Business Activity Monitoring)
Summary
by MITRE
It was found that xstream API version 1.4.10 before 1.4.11 introduced a regression for a previous deserialization flaw. If the security framework has not been initialized, it may allow a remote attacker to run arbitrary shell commands when unmarshalling XML or any supported format. e.g. JSON. (regression of CVE-2013-7285)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2019-10173 represents a critical deserialization flaw in the XStream API that emerged as a regression from previously addressed security issues. This vulnerability specifically affects XStream versions 1.4.10 and earlier, where a security framework initialization regression was introduced that undermines previous protective measures. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands during the unmarshalling process when handling XML or other supported formats such as JSON, creating a severe attack surface that can be exploited without authentication. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of deserialized objects, which directly relates to the common weakness described in CWE-502, which covers deserialization of untrusted data. The regression aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it indicates that security improvements from earlier patches have been inadvertently reversed or bypassed in the newer version.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent design of XStream's deserialization mechanism, where the API processes incoming data streams and converts them into Java objects. When the security framework fails to initialize properly, the deserialization process does not perform adequate object validation or restriction checks. Attackers can craft malicious XML or JSON payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable XStream version, trigger the execution of arbitrary commands on the target system. This occurs because the deserialization process does not properly restrict which classes can be instantiated or which methods can be invoked during object reconstruction. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited over network connections, making it particularly dangerous in web applications that accept user input for processing. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage deserialization vulnerabilities to execute malicious commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-10173 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Organizations using vulnerable XStream versions in their applications face significant risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target applications without requiring local access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous in cloud environments or applications exposed to public internet access. The regression nature of this flaw suggests that organizations may have believed they were protected by previous security updates, only to discover that newer versions of the software introduce fresh attack vectors. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of systems, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. The flaw's presence in widely used API libraries means that numerous applications across different industries could be vulnerable, including financial services, healthcare systems, and enterprise applications that rely on XML or JSON data processing. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough regression testing when implementing security patches and the need for comprehensive security frameworks that properly initialize all protective mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to XStream version 1.4.11 or later, where the regression has been addressed. The security framework initialization must be properly configured to ensure that all protective measures are active during deserialization operations. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation, restricting deserialization to trusted sources only, and employing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of malicious payloads. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual deserialization activities, particularly when processing external data from untrusted sources. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive security testing procedures, including regression testing of security patches, to prevent similar issues from reoccurring in updated software versions. Organizations should also consider implementing Web Application Firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to provide additional layers of defense against deserialization attacks. The incident highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and the importance of staying informed about security advisories for widely used libraries and frameworks that form the backbone of many enterprise applications.