CVE-2012-5785: Improper Input Validation in Apache Axis2

org.apache.axis2:axis2 Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

17/05/2022
Yes i
Moderate
Not published

CVE-2012-5785: Improper Input Validation in Apache Axis2. Affects org.apache.axis2:axis2 versions < 1.8.0. Fixed in 1.8.0. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Devnack Mobile apps built by Devnack Design, build and launch iOS and Android apps with a senior product team. From idea to store release Start a project

Background

Apache Axis2/Java is a web service framework that provides a comprehensive platform for developing, deploying, and running web services. It is widely used in Java-based applications to facilitate communication between different software systems. However, versions 1.6.2 and earlier of Apache Axis2/Java suffer from a vulnerability that allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof SSL servers. This vulnerability arises due to the failure of the server to verify that the hostname matches the domain name in the X.509 certificate's Common Name (CN) or subjectAltName field. As a result, an attacker can present a valid certificate for a different domain, leading to potential security breaches and unauthorized access.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in Apache Axis2/Java versions 1.6.2 and earlier enables man-in-the-middle attacks by allowing attackers to spoof SSL servers. By presenting an arbitrary valid certificate, an attacker can deceive clients into believing they are communicating with a legitimate server. This can lead to various security risks, including interception of sensitive data, unauthorized access, and potential compromise of the entire communication channel. The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper input validation and verification of the server hostname against the X.509 certificate's domain name.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.8.0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

As a temporary workaround, it is possible to manually verify the server's certificate during the SSL handshake process. This can be achieved by implementing custom code to compare the server hostname with the domain name in the certificate's Common Name (CN) or subjectAltName field. However, it is strongly recommended to upgrade to the latest version of Apache Axis2/Java as soon as possible to address the vulnerability effectively.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in Apache Axis2/Java versions 1.6.2 and earlier exposes applications to man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing attackers to spoof SSL servers. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to upgrade to Apache Axis2/Java version 1.8.0 or later. Additionally, manual verification of the server's certificate can serve as a temporary workaround. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.axis2:axis2 →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

Apache Axis2/Java is a web service framework used for developing, deploying, and running web services in Java-based applications.

The vulnerability allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof SSL servers, potentially leading to interception of sensitive data, unauthorized access, and compromise of the communication channel.

Versions 1.6.2 and earlier of Apache Axis2/Java are affected by this vulnerability.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Apache Axis2/Java version 1.8.0 or later.

As a temporary workaround, it is possible to manually verify the server's certificate during the SSL handshake process.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for org.apache.axis2:axis2.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.8.0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback

Follow Vulert in Google

Get more Vulert vulnerability and dependency-security updates in Google Search and AI results.