CVE-2019-20635 in codeBeamer
Summary
by MITRE
codeBeamer before 9.5.0-RC3 does not properly restrict the ability to execute custom Java code and access the Java class loader via computed fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20635 affects codeBeamer versions prior to 9.5.0-RC3 and represents a critical security flaw in the platform's handling of computed fields. This vulnerability stems from insufficient restrictions on custom Java code execution capabilities within the application's computed field functionality, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution and class loader access. The flaw exists within the application's object-oriented architecture where computed fields are designed to allow users to define custom calculations and logic using Java expressions. However, the implementation fails to properly validate or sanitize user inputs that are processed within these fields, enabling malicious actors to inject arbitrary Java code that can be executed within the application's runtime environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the computed field mechanism which accepts user-defined Java expressions and processes them without adequate security controls. When users create computed fields containing malicious Java code, the system executes these expressions with the privileges of the application's Java runtime environment, potentially allowing attackers to access the underlying class loader and execute arbitrary code. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where user input is directly interpreted and executed without proper sanitization or access control measures. The flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically highlighting the dangerous practice of executing user-supplied code without adequate validation or restriction mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the application server. This could enable attackers to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, escalate privileges, or even establish persistent backdoors within the codeBeamer environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system since the Java class loader access allows for dynamic code loading and execution. Organizations using codeBeamer versions prior to 9.5.0-RC3 face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise, as the vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including web interface manipulation, API calls, or even social engineering techniques that trick administrators into creating malicious computed fields.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including TA0002 (Execution) and TA0003 (Persistence) as attackers can execute malicious code and establish persistent access. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor application security practices that violate the principle of least privilege and proper input validation. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to codeBeamer version 9.5.0-RC3 or later, implementing strict input validation for computed fields, disabling unnecessary computed field functionality for non-administrative users, and conducting thorough security reviews of existing computed fields. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious code execution patterns, and regular security audits should be performed to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper access controls in enterprise software platforms that handle user-generated content and dynamic code execution.