CVE-2022-46366 in Tapestry
Summary
by MITRE • 12/02/2022
Apache Tapestry 3.x allows deserialization of untrusted data, leading to remote code execution. This issue is similar to but distinct from CVE-2020-17531, which applies the the (also unsupported) 4.x version line. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects Apache Tapestry version line 3.x, which is no longer supported by the maintainer. Users are recommended to upgrade to a supported version line of Apache Tapestry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
Apache Tapestry 3.x contains a critical deserialization vulnerability that enables remote code execution through the processing of untrusted data. This flaw exists within the application's object deserialization mechanism, where the framework fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before reconstructing objects from serialized streams. The vulnerability stems from the framework's reliance on Java's native serialization protocol without adequate security controls, creating an attack surface where maliciously crafted serialized objects can be executed on the target system. The issue is classified under CWE-502 as deserialization of untrusted data, which represents a well-known and dangerous pattern in software security where applications deserialize data without proper validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for systems running affected Apache Tapestry 3.x versions. Attackers can craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable application, will execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application. This remote code execution capability allows adversaries to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the core deserialization functionality that is fundamental to Tapestry's operation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through normal application usage patterns without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors. The attack chain typically involves sending specially crafted serialized data to the application, which then deserializes this data during normal processing, executing the malicious payload in the context of the web server.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1105 for remote file execution, as the deserialization process enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands and potentially download additional malware. The fact that this vulnerability affects the unsupported 3.x version line means that no security patches or updates are available from the maintainers, leaving affected systems completely exposed to exploitation. Organizations running Apache Tapestry 3.x should be aware that they are operating with no security support and face significant risk from this and other potential vulnerabilities that may not be addressed. The recommendation to upgrade to supported versions represents the only viable mitigation strategy, as the 3.x line has reached end-of-life status and no longer receives security updates or patches from the Apache Software Foundation.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of maintaining current software versions and avoiding deprecated frameworks in production environments. Legacy systems that continue to operate without updates become increasingly dangerous as time passes, since they accumulate vulnerabilities that remain unpatched and exploitable by threat actors. The distinction from CVE-2020-17531 demonstrates that similar vulnerabilities can exist across different versions of the same software family, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security assessments of all software components regardless of their version status. Organizations should implement robust software inventory management processes to identify and phase out unsupported software versions, particularly those that handle sensitive data or provide critical services to their operations.