CVE-2022-45136 in Jena SDB
Summary
by MITRE • 11/14/2022
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** Apache Jena SDB 3.17.0 and earlier is vulnerable to a JDBC Deserialisation attack if the attacker is able to control the JDBC URL used or cause the underlying database server to return malicious data. The mySQL JDBC driver in particular is known to be vulnerable to this class of attack. As a result an application using Apache Jena SDB can be subject to RCE when connected to a malicious database server. Apache Jena SDB has been EOL since December 2020 and users should migrate to alternative options e.g. Apache Jena TDB 2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45136 affects Apache Jena SDB versions 3.17.0 and earlier, representing a critical deserialization flaw that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of JDBC connection parameters, particularly when the JDBC URL is controllable by an attacker or when the database server returns malicious data. The flaw specifically targets the MySQL JDBC driver, which has documented vulnerabilities in its deserialization mechanisms that allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems where the driver is used. The vulnerability operates through a chain of trust that begins with the JDBC connection establishment and extends to the deserialization of untrusted data within the database driver's processing pipeline.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to either control the JDBC URL passed to the Apache Jena SDB component or to compromise a database server that can return malicious data to the client application. When the MySQL JDBC driver processes a maliciously crafted data payload, it deserializes objects without proper validation, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a classic deserialization attack vector that aligns with CWE-502, which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a fundamental weakness enabling arbitrary code execution. The attack chain demonstrates how seemingly innocuous database connectivity can become a gateway for complete system compromise when proper input validation and secure deserialization practices are not implemented.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Applications using affected versions of Apache Jena SDB that connect to databases with compromised or untrusted data sources become vulnerable to full system takeover, allowing attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited without requiring authentication to the database itself, as long as the attacker can influence the JDBC connection parameters or manipulate the data returned by the database. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that many applications using Apache Jena SDB may not properly validate or sanitize database connection parameters, creating multiple potential entry points for exploitation. Organizations using this software face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
The recommended mitigation strategy for CVE-2022-45136 involves immediate migration away from the affected Apache Jena SDB component, which has reached end-of-life status as of December 2020. The project's maintainers strongly recommend transitioning to Apache Jena TDB 2, which provides more secure database connectivity and does not suffer from the same deserialization vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should implement strict validation of all JDBC connection parameters and database responses, ensuring that any data flowing from external sources undergoes proper sanitization and validation. Network segmentation and database access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous database connection patterns or unusual data flows that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to the principle of least privilege and implementing proper input validation practices across all database interaction components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1210 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and runtime application self-protection measures to prevent exploitation of similar deserialization vulnerabilities in other components.