CVE-2024-36522 in Wicket
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2024
The default configuration of XSLTResourceStream.java is vulnerable to remote code execution via XSLT injection when processing input from an untrusted source without validation. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 10.1.0, 9.18.0 or 8.16.0, which fix this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36522 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the XSLT processing capabilities of a software component. This issue stems from the default configuration of XSLTResourceStream.java which fails to properly validate input parameters during XSLT transformation operations. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious XSLT code that can be executed within the context of the vulnerable application, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes input from untrusted sources without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the inherent capabilities of XSLT processors to execute external commands or access system resources through malicious transformation scripts. When XSLTResourceStream.java processes unvalidated input, it can interpret crafted XSLT payloads that leverage XSLT's built-in functions to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a classic server-side request forgery vulnerability combined with code execution capabilities, as the XSLT engine can be coerced into performing unauthorized operations such as file system access, network connections, or command execution. The flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to XSLT injection attacks that bypass traditional input validation measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected application server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing applications. The vulnerability affects systems that process user-supplied data through XSLT transformations, which is common in content management systems, document processing applications, and web services that utilize XSLT for data transformation. This makes the attack surface particularly broad across various enterprise applications and services.
Organizations should immediately implement the recommended remediation measures by upgrading to versions 10.1.0, 9.18.0, or 8.16.0 which contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation controls at multiple layers including application-level sanitization, web application firewalls, and network-based filtering to reduce the risk of exploitation. The mitigation strategy should also include monitoring for suspicious XSLT processing activities and implementing least-privilege access controls for XSLT processing capabilities. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems that may be vulnerable to this class of attack, particularly those that process external data through XSLT transformations. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege when implementing transformation engines and scripting capabilities within enterprise applications.