CVE-2019-11286 in GemFire
Summary
by MITRE
VMware GemFire versions prior to 9.10.0, 9.9.1, 9.8.5, and 9.7.5, and VMware Tanzu GemFire for VMs versions prior to 1.11.0, 1.10.1, 1.9.2, and 1.8.2, contain a JMX service available to the network which does not properly restrict input. A remote authenticated malicious user may request against the service with a crafted set of credentials leading to remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11286 affects VMware GemFire and Tanzu GemFire for VMs products across multiple version lines, representing a critical security flaw in the Java Management Extensions JMX service implementation. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the JMX service that operates over the network, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors who can manipulate the service through crafted authentication requests. The flaw exists in versions prior to 9.10.0, 9.9.1, 9.8.5, and 9.7.5 for standard GemFire installations, and corresponding versions for Tanzu GemFire for VMs deployments, indicating a widespread impact across the product lifecycle.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient security controls in management interfaces can lead to remote code execution. The JMX service in question provides administrative capabilities and monitoring functions through a network-accessible endpoint, but fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters passed during authentication attempts. A maliciously authenticated user can exploit this weakness by submitting specially crafted credentials that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on Java-based execution paths.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-11286 is severe as it allows remote code execution, which can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within GemFire clusters. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to enterprise data stores, potentially affecting distributed computing environments that rely on GemFire for caching and data management. The vulnerability's network accessibility means that exploitation can occur from external networks without requiring physical access or additional reconnaissance. Organizations running affected versions of VMware GemFire or Tanzu GemFire for VMs face significant risk of unauthorized data access, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to the patched versions of VMware GemFire and Tanzu GemFire for VMs, specifically targeting versions 9.10.0, 9.9.1, 9.8.5, and 9.7.5 for standard installations, and their corresponding Tanzu versions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to JMX endpoints, disable unnecessary JMX services when not required, and enforce strict authentication controls for management interfaces. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous authentication patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing management interfaces and maintaining up-to-date software versions to protect against known exploits that can lead to complete system compromise.