CVE-2019-3802 in Spring Data JPA
Summary
by MITRE
This affects Spring Data JPA in versions up to and including 2.1.6, 2.0.14 and 1.11.20. ExampleMatcher using ExampleMatcher.StringMatcher.STARTING, ExampleMatcher.StringMatcher.ENDING or ExampleMatcher.StringMatcher.CONTAINING could return more results than anticipated when a maliciously crafted example value is supplied.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2023
Spring Data JPA represents a critical vulnerability in the form of CVE-2019-3802 which impacts versions up to and including 2.1.6, 2.0.14, and 1.11.20 of the framework. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of string matching operations within the ExampleMatcher functionality, specifically when utilizing StringMatcher constants such as STARTING, ENDING, and CONTAINING. The flaw manifests when maliciously crafted example values are supplied to these matching operations, causing the system to return an excessive number of results compared to what would be logically expected from a legitimate query.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in how Spring Data JPA processes pattern matching operations within its repository query construction mechanisms. When developers utilize ExampleMatcher with the specified string matcher types, the framework internally translates these patterns into database queries that may inadvertently include wildcard characters or pattern matching logic that can be manipulated by attackers. This creates an information disclosure scenario where unauthorized users can exploit the flawed matching behavior to retrieve data beyond their intended scope. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and inadequate query sanitization, allowing attackers to craft example values that bypass normal query constraints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to perform unauthorized data enumeration and reconnaissance activities. By leveraging the flawed matching behavior, adversaries can systematically extract more data than permitted through normal query operations, effectively bypassing access controls and data filtering mechanisms that should restrict query results. This vulnerability directly affects the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under CWE-20, Improper Input Validation, while also relating to CWE-22, Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, through the potential for path traversal-like behaviors in query construction. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as it involves exploiting application-level protocols and data access patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3802 require immediate patching of affected Spring Data JPA versions to the latest secure releases, which address the improper handling of string matching operations. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that sanitize all example values before processing them through ExampleMatcher functionality, particularly focusing on the three vulnerable StringMatcher types. Additional protective measures include implementing proper query parameterization to prevent injection-like behaviors, establishing monitoring for unusual query patterns, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify any custom implementations that might be susceptible to similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing database query auditing and access logging to detect potential exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all Spring Data JPA applications undergo regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar implementation flaws.