CVE-2021-29505 (High) Detected In Xstream-1.4.5.jar
CVE-2021-29505 (High) Detected in xstream-1.4.5.jar: A Critical Vulnerability in Java Serialization Library
Introduction
In the world of software development, vulnerabilities can be a significant threat to the security and integrity of applications. One such vulnerability, CVE-2021-29505, has been detected in the xstream-1.4.5.jar library, a popular Java serialization library. In this article, we will delve into the details of this vulnerability, its impact, and the suggested fix to ensure the security of your applications.
CVE-2021-29505: A High Severity Vulnerability
CVE-2021-29505 is a high severity vulnerability that affects XStream versions prior to 1.4.17. XStream is a widely used library for serializing Java objects to XML and back again. The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute commands on the host by manipulating the processed input stream. This can lead to a range of consequences, including data breaches, system compromise, and even complete system takeover.
Vulnerable Library - xstream-1.4.5.jar
XStream is a serialization library from Java objects to XML and back. The library is widely used in various applications, and its vulnerability can have significant consequences. The vulnerable library, xstream-1.4.5.jar, is a part of the XStream library, and its version is 1.4.5.
Dependency Hierarchy
The dependency hierarchy of the vulnerable library is as follows:
- :x: xstream-1.4.5.jar (Vulnerable Library)
The vulnerable library is found in the HEAD commit of the repository, and its path is /WebGoat8/pom.xml. The library is also found in the base branch, which is main.
Vulnerability Details
XStream is software for serializing Java objects to XML and back again. A vulnerability in XStream versions prior to 1.4.17 may allow a remote attacker to execute commands on the host by manipulating the processed input stream. No user who followed the recommendation to set up XStream's security framework with a whitelist limited to the minimal required types is affected. The vulnerability is patched in version 1.4.17.
Publish Date and URL
The publish date of the vulnerability is 2021-05-28, and the URL is https://www.mend.io/vulnerability-database/CVE-2021-29505.
CVSS 3 Score Details (7.5)
The CVSS 3 score of the vulnerability is 7.5, which indicates a high severity vulnerability. The base score metrics are as follows:
- Exploitability Metrics:
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: High
- Privileges Required: Low
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- Impact Metrics:
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
For more information on CVSS3 scores, click here.
Suggested Fix
The suggested fix for the vulnerability is to upgrade the version of the xstream library to 1.4.17 or later. The type of fix is an upgrade version, and the origin is https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-7chv-rrw6-w6fc The release date of the fix is 2021-05-28, and the fix resolution is 1.4.17.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CVE-2021-29505 is a high severity vulnerability that affects XStream versions prior to 1.4.17. The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute commands on the host by manipulating the processed input stream. The suggested fix is to upgrade the version of the xstream library to 1.4.17 or later. It is essential to address this vulnerability to ensure the security and integrity of your applications.
Recommendations
- Upgrade the version of the xstream library to 1.4.17 or later.
- Review the dependency hierarchy of your application to ensure that the vulnerable library is not used.
- Implement a security framework with a whitelist limited to the minimal required types to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
By following these recommendations, you can ensure the security and integrity of your applications and prevent potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-29505.
CVE-2021-29505 (High) Detected in xstream-1.4.5.jar: A Critical Vulnerability in Java Serialization Library - Q&A
Introduction
In our previous article, we discussed the CVE-2021-29505 vulnerability in the xstream-1.4.5.jar library, a popular Java serialization library. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this vulnerability to help you better understand its impact and the suggested fix.
Q&A
Q1: What is CVE-2021-29505?
A1: CVE-2021-29505 is a high severity vulnerability that affects XStream versions prior to 1.4.17. It allows a remote attacker to execute commands on the host by manipulating the processed input stream.
Q2: What is XStream?
A2: XStream is a widely used Java library for serializing Java objects to XML and back again. It is a popular choice for data exchange and storage.
Q3: What is the impact of CVE-2021-29505?
A3: The impact of CVE-2021-29505 is significant. A remote attacker can execute commands on the host by manipulating the processed input stream, which can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and even complete system takeover.
Q4: What is the CVSS 3 score of CVE-2021-29505?
A4: The CVSS 3 score of CVE-2021-29505 is 7.5, which indicates a high severity vulnerability.
Q5: What is the suggested fix for CVE-2021-29505?
A5: The suggested fix for CVE-2021-29505 is to upgrade the version of the xstream library to 1.4.17 or later.
Q6: How can I check if my application is affected by CVE-2021-29505?
A6: You can check if your application is affected by CVE-2021-29505 by reviewing the dependency hierarchy of your application and checking if the vulnerable library is used.
Q7: What are the consequences of not addressing CVE-2021-29505?
A7: The consequences of not addressing CVE-2021-29505 can be severe. A remote attacker can execute commands on the host by manipulating the processed input stream, which can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and even complete system takeover.
Q8: How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future?
A8: You can prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future by implementing a security framework with a whitelist limited to the minimal required types and regularly reviewing the dependency hierarchy of your application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CVE-2021-29505 is a high severity vulnerability that affects XStream versions prior to 1.4.17. It allows a remote attacker to execute commands on the host by manipulating the processed input stream. The suggested fix is to upgrade the version of the xstream library to 1.4.17 or later. We hope this Q&A article has helped you better understand the impact and the suggested fix for CVE-2021-29505.
Recommendations
- Upgrade the version of the xstream library to 1.4.17 or later.
- Review the dependency hierarchy of your application to ensure that the vulnerable library is not used
- Implement a security framework with a whitelist limited to the minimal required types to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
- Regularly review the dependency hierarchy of your application to ensure that no other vulnerabilities are present.
By following these recommendations, you can ensure the security and integrity of your applications and prevent potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-29505.