CVE-2019-15893 in Nexus Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager 2.x before 2.14.15 allows Remote Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15893 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager version 2.x prior to 2.14.15. This vulnerability exists within the repository management system that serves as a central hub for software artifacts and dependencies in enterprise environments. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's handling of specific API endpoints that process user-supplied data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the Nexus Repository Manager's REST API processing logic where user-provided parameters are not properly validated before being used in system operations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that leverage the application's deserialization capabilities or direct command execution mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the repository manager's ability to handle certain types of input data that are processed without adequate security checks, creating an attack surface where remote adversaries can inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple system compromise, as Nexus Repository Manager instances often serve as critical infrastructure components within software development pipelines and enterprise artifact repositories. Organizations relying on affected versions may face complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring prior authentication or access credentials. This makes it particularly dangerous for organizations that expose their Nexus instances directly to external networks or have inadequate network segmentation in place. The exploitation can result in unauthorized modification of software artifacts, injection of malicious code into build processes, and complete compromise of the software supply chain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15893 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Nexus Repository Manager instances to version 2.14.15 or later. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to Nexus instances, including firewall rules that restrict access to only trusted IP addresses and network segments. Additional defensive measures include enabling authentication and authorization controls, implementing network segmentation to isolate repository managers from critical systems, and conducting regular security assessments of the repository infrastructure. Organizations should also monitor for suspicious activities in their Nexus logs and implement intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following security best practices for critical infrastructure systems that manage software artifacts and dependencies within enterprise environments.