CVE-2024-36404 in GeoTools
Summary
by MITRE • 07/02/2024
GeoTools is an open source Java library that provides tools for geospatial data. Prior to versions 31.2, 30.4, and 29.6, Remote Code Execution (RCE) is possible if an application uses certain GeoTools functionality to evaluate XPath expressions supplied by user input. Versions 31.2, 30.4, and 29.6 contain a fix for this issue. As a workaround, GeoTools can operate with reduced functionality by removing the `gt-complex` jar from one's application. As an example of the impact, application schema `datastore` would not function without the ability to use XPath expressions to query complex content. Alternatively, one may utilize a drop-in replacement GeoTools jar from SourceForge for versions 31.1, 30.3, 30.2, 29.2, 28.2, 27.5, 27.4, 26.7, 26.4, 25.2, and 24.0. These jars are for download only and are not available from maven central, intended to quickly provide a fix to affected applications.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36404 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the GeoTools geospatial library ecosystem. This issue affects multiple major versions including 31.1, 30.3, 30.2, 29.2, 28.2, 27.5, 27.4, 26.7, 26.4, 25.2, and 24.0, where applications utilizing specific GeoTools functionality may become vulnerable to arbitrary code execution when processing XPath expressions derived from untrusted user input. The flaw stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the XPath evaluation process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a significant security risk in geospatial data processing environments where user input is commonly processed through XPath queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the GeoTools library's XPath expression evaluation subsystem, where user-supplied XPath queries are processed without adequate sanitization or validation. When applications leverage GeoTools to parse geospatial data schemas or complex data structures, the library's XPath evaluation engine becomes a potential attack vector. Attackers can craft malicious XPath expressions that, when processed by vulnerable versions of GeoTools, trigger unintended code execution on the target system. The vulnerability specifically impacts applications that utilize the gt-complex module, which provides advanced data processing capabilities including complex data schema handling and XPath-based querying mechanisms. This attack surface is particularly concerning because geospatial applications often process data from multiple sources, including user-provided content, making the exploitation scenario more likely in real-world deployments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive geospatial data. Organizations utilizing vulnerable GeoTools versions face potential data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized manipulation of geospatial datasets. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical geospatial services that many applications depend upon for their core functionality. Security operations teams must consider the widespread use of GeoTools in enterprise geospatial applications, including mapping services, location-based applications, and geographic information systems that process user-generated content through XPath queries. The impact is particularly severe given that many organizations may not regularly monitor or update their geospatial libraries, creating extended windows of vulnerability in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-36404 encompass multiple approaches that organizations can implement to reduce risk exposure. The primary recommended solution involves upgrading to patched versions 31.2, 30.4, or 29.6 of GeoTools, which contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for XPath expressions. When immediate upgrades are not feasible, organizations can implement a workaround by removing the gt-complex jar file from their applications, though this approach significantly reduces functionality as noted in the advisory. Alternative mitigation includes utilizing drop-in replacement jars available from SourceForge, though these are not distributed through standard Maven repositories and should be carefully evaluated for compatibility. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to geospatial processing endpoints, along with monitoring for unusual XPath query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date dependencies in geospatial applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" in its potential exploitation pathways.