CVE-2024-12801 in logback
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2024
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) in SaxEventRecorder by QOS.CH logback version 1.5.12 on the Java platform, allows an attacker to forge requests by compromising logback configuration files in XML.
The attacks involves the modification of DOCTYPE declaration in XML configuration files.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-12801 represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw in the QOS.CH logback library version 1.5.12, specifically affecting Java-based applications that utilize the SaxEventRecorder component. This issue arises from insufficient validation of XML configuration files, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through carefully crafted XML documents. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the standard XML parsing mechanisms that applications commonly use for configuration management, making it difficult to detect and mitigate without comprehensive understanding of the attack vector.
The technical exploitation occurs through manipulation of the DOCTYPE declaration within XML configuration files that logback processes during application startup or runtime. When the SaxEventRecorder component parses these XML documents, it fails to properly sanitize or validate external entity references that may be embedded within the DOCTYPE section. This allows attackers to construct malicious XML configurations that, when processed by the vulnerable logback library, can trigger outbound network requests to arbitrary destinations. The flaw stems from the library's insufficient protection against external entity expansion and XML external entity (XXE) processing, which are well-documented security concerns in XML parsers. According to CWE-611, this vulnerability falls under the category of Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, which is a fundamental weakness in XML processing that has been consistently exploited in various security incidents across different platforms and frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it can enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, exfiltrate sensitive data, or even facilitate further attacks by accessing internal network resources that would normally be protected by firewalls and network segmentation. An attacker who can modify logback configuration files, either through direct access to the application's configuration directory or by exploiting another vulnerability that allows file manipulation, can construct XML payloads that force the application to make requests to internal services, external attacker-controlled servers, or even attempt to access local files through protocols like file://. This capability significantly expands the attack surface and can lead to data breaches, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where applications have elevated privileges or where internal network resources are not properly isolated from external threats, as it essentially allows attackers to bypass network security controls through legitimate application functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-12801 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct solution involves updating to logback version 1.5.13 or later, which includes proper validation of XML configuration files and disables potentially dangerous external entity processing. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and file integrity monitoring for logback configuration files, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify these critical components. Network segmentation and outbound traffic filtering should be implemented to prevent applications from making unauthorized external connections, particularly to internal network resources. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify any custom implementations that may interact with XML configuration parsing, and implement proper input validation and sanitization for all XML processing within the application. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for XML External Entity Processing, with potential lateral movement and data exfiltration implications that should be addressed through comprehensive incident response planning and security monitoring.