CVE-2025-46392 in Commons Configuration
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2025
Uncontrolled Resource Consumption vulnerability in Apache Commons Configuration 1.x.
There are a number of issues in Apache Commons Configuration 1.x that allow excessive resource consumption when loading untrusted configurations or using unexpected usage patterns. The Apache Commons Configuration team does not intend to fix these issues in 1.x. Apache Commons Configuration 1.x is still safe to use in scenario's where you only load trusted configurations.
Users that load untrusted configurations or give attackers control over usage patterns are recommended to upgrade to the 2.x version line, which fixes these issues. Apache Commons Configuration 2.x is not a drop-in replacement, but as it uses a separate Maven groupId and Java package namespace they can be loaded side-by-side, making it possible to do a gradual migration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-46392 represents an uncontrolled resource consumption issue within Apache Commons Configuration 1.x, classified under CWE-400 as improper resource management. This flaw manifests when the library processes untrusted configuration data or encounters unexpected usage patterns, leading to excessive consumption of system resources such as memory and CPU cycles. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and resource handling mechanisms within the configuration loading process, particularly when parsing complex or malformed configuration files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of resource allocation during configuration parsing operations. When Apache Commons Configuration 1.x encounters untrusted input, it fails to implement proper bounds checking or resource limiting mechanisms that would prevent excessive memory allocation or iterative processing. This allows attackers to craft malicious configuration files that trigger resource exhaustion conditions, potentially leading to denial of service scenarios where legitimate system resources are consumed to the point of system instability or complete unresponsiveness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource exhaustion to encompass broader security implications within enterprise environments. Organizations using Apache Commons Configuration 1.x in production systems where configuration inputs are not fully trusted face significant risk of service disruption and potential system compromise. The vulnerability affects applications that dynamically load configuration files from external sources, user inputs, or unverified third-party configuration repositories, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, middleware systems, and distributed computing environments.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for resource exhaustion attacks, specifically targeting the availability aspect of the CIA triad. The Apache Commons Configuration team has made a deliberate decision not to backport fixes to the 1.x version, indicating that this represents a fundamental architectural issue that requires migration to the newer 2.x release line. This approach reflects a common pattern in software security where legacy versions receive limited support for critical vulnerabilities, forcing organizations to undertake migration efforts.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate migration to Apache Commons Configuration 2.x, which implements proper resource management controls and input validation. The 2.x version addresses these issues through enhanced parsing mechanisms, stricter input validation, and improved resource consumption limits. While the migration presents challenges due to the separate Maven groupId and Java package namespace, this separation actually enables side-by-side installation, allowing for gradual migration strategies that minimize operational disruption. Organizations should implement comprehensive testing procedures during migration to ensure compatibility with existing applications and avoid introducing new issues.
Organizations should also consider implementing additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, configuration file access controls, and monitoring systems to detect unusual resource consumption patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping third-party libraries current and the risks associated with legacy software components that no longer receive security updates. Proper security posture requires regular vulnerability assessments and dependency management practices that prioritize timely upgrades over maintaining legacy configurations.