CVE-2024-52046 in MINA
Summary
by MITRE • 12/25/2024
The ObjectSerializationDecoder in Apache MINA uses Java’s native deserialization protocol to process incoming serialized data but lacks the necessary security checks and defenses. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the deserialization process by sending specially crafted malicious serialized data, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE) attacks.
This issue affects MINA core versions 2.0.X, 2.1.X and 2.2.X, and will be fixed by the releases 2.0.27, 2.1.10 and 2.2.4.
It's also important to note that an application using MINA core library will only be affected if the IoBuffer#getObject() method is called, and this specific method is potentially called when adding a ProtocolCodecFilter instance using the ObjectSerializationCodecFactory class in the filter chain. If your application is specifically using those classes, you have to upgrade to the latest version of MINA core library.
Upgrading will not be enough: you also need to explicitly allow the classes the decoder will accept in the ObjectSerializationDecoder instance, using one of the three new methods:
/**
* Accept class names where the supplied ClassNameMatcher matches for
* deserialization, unless they are otherwise rejected.
*
* @param classNameMatcher the matcher to use
*/
public void accept(ClassNameMatcher classNameMatcher)
/**
* Accept class names that match the supplied pattern for
* deserialization, unless they are otherwise rejected.
*
* @param pattern standard Java regexp
*/
public void accept(Pattern pattern)
/**
* Accept the wildcard specified classes for deserialization,
* unless they are otherwise rejected.
*
* @param patterns Wildcard file name patterns as defined by
* {@link org.apache.commons.io.FilenameUtils#wildcardMatch(String, String) FilenameUtils.wildcardMatch}
*/
public void accept(String... patterns)
By default, the decoder will reject *all* classes that will be present in the incoming data.
Note: The FtpServer, SSHd and Vysper sub-project are not affected by this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-52046 resides within the ObjectSerializationDecoder component of Apache MINA, a robust framework for developing network applications in Java. This flaw stems from the improper handling of Java native deserialization processes, which are inherently risky due to their potential for arbitrary code execution. The decoder's lack of adequate security controls enables attackers to inject malicious serialized objects into the system through network communications, thereby exploiting a well-known attack vector that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and categorized under CWE-502 as "Deserialization of Untrusted Data." The vulnerability impacts MINA core versions 2.0.X, 2.1.X, and 2.2.X, where the absence of proper class filtering mechanisms creates an environment conducive to remote code execution attacks. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a technique involving 'Deserialization of Untrusted Data' under the T1203 category, often employed in initial access and privilege escalation phases of cyber operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires that applications utilizing MINA specifically invoke the IoBuffer#getObject() method, which typically occurs when a ProtocolCodecFilter instance is configured with the ObjectSerializationCodecFactory class within the filter chain. This condition creates a specific attack surface where malicious data can be processed through the vulnerable deserialization pathway. The attack scenario becomes particularly dangerous because Java's native deserialization mechanism can trigger constructors, static initializers, and other code execution paths during the reconstruction of objects from serialized data streams, providing attackers with multiple potential entry points for code injection. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with common patterns observed in deserialization attacks, where attackers craft serialized objects containing malicious payloads designed to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The remediation approach for CVE-2024-52046 requires not only upgrading to the patched versions of MINA core library 2.0.27, 2.1.10, and 2.2.4 but also implementing explicit class acceptance controls within the ObjectSerializationDecoder instance. This additional requirement reflects a shift towards more secure default configurations, where the decoder will reject all classes by default and require administrators to explicitly define which classes should be permitted for deserialization. The three new methods introduced for class acceptance provide flexible matching capabilities through ClassNameMatcher interfaces, regular expression patterns, and wildcard file name patterns, allowing for granular control over the deserialization process. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth, as it requires explicit approval for each class that can be deserialized, thereby preventing attackers from leveraging unexpected or unknown classes to execute malicious code. The default rejection of all classes represents a significant security improvement over previous versions, where the decoder would accept any serialized class, effectively removing the attack surface for unauthorized deserialization operations.
Applications using MINA core library must carefully evaluate their usage of the affected classes, particularly those that rely on ProtocolCodecFilter instances configured with ObjectSerializationCodecFactory, to determine if the upgrade and configuration changes are necessary. The fact that sub-projects such as FtpServer, SSHd, and Vysper are unaffected by this issue indicates that the vulnerability is specifically tied to the core deserialization components rather than being a systemic problem across the entire MINA ecosystem. Organizations should implement comprehensive testing procedures to validate that the upgrade process does not introduce compatibility issues while ensuring that the new class acceptance controls are properly configured to maintain application functionality. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure deserialization practices in network applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration oversights can lead to severe security implications, particularly in frameworks that handle untrusted network data. The security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate exploitation risks to include potential long-term impacts on system integrity and data confidentiality, making it a critical issue for all organizations relying on Apache MINA for their network communication infrastructure.