CVE-2024-32007 in CXF
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2024
An improper input validation of the p2c parameter in the Apache CXF JOSE code before 4.0.5, 3.6.4 and 3.5.9 allows an attacker to perform a denial of service attack by specifying a large value for this parameter in a token.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32007 represents a critical improper input validation flaw within the Apache CXF JOSE implementation that affects multiple versions including 4.0.5, 3.6.4, and 3.5.9. This security weakness specifically targets the p2c parameter handling within the JSON Object Signing and Encryption framework, which is a fundamental component of modern secure communication protocols. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input parameters that are processed during the token creation and validation processes, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the insufficient bounds checking and parameter validation mechanisms within the JOSE library code. When an attacker supplies an excessively large value for the p2c parameter, which typically represents the number of iterations for password-based key derivation functions, the system fails to properly validate this input before processing. This lack of input sanitization allows the malicious value to propagate through the system's processing pipeline, potentially causing resource exhaustion and system instability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient parameter validation can lead to denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to perform denial of service attacks against systems utilizing Apache CXF JOSE components. By crafting malicious tokens with oversized p2c parameter values, attackers can cause the target system to consume excessive computational resources, memory, or processing time during token validation. This resource exhaustion can result in system slowdowns, application unresponsiveness, or complete service disruption, particularly affecting systems that process high volumes of tokens or have limited computational resources. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed through legitimate token processing pathways, making detection and prevention challenging.
The security implications extend beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise system availability and performance. Organizations relying on Apache CXF for secure token processing may experience cascading effects where the denial of service impacts downstream services and applications that depend on the affected system. This vulnerability particularly affects systems implementing password-based key derivation functions where the p2c parameter directly influences computational complexity and resource consumption. The attack can be executed with minimal privileges and requires only the ability to submit specially crafted tokens to the vulnerable system, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to disrupt operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32007 involve immediate patching of affected Apache CXF versions to the recommended secure releases, which include updates that implement proper input validation for the p2c parameter. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at multiple layers including application firewalls, API gateways, and network security devices to detect and block malformed token requests. Additionally, system administrators should monitor resource utilization patterns and implement rate limiting mechanisms to prevent exploitation attempts from consuming excessive system resources. The implementation of these security controls aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499, which focuses on network denial of service attacks, and emphasizes the importance of robust input validation as a primary defense mechanism. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Apache CXF and ensure comprehensive coverage across all affected applications and services.