CVE-2013-0239: Improper Authentication in Apache CXF
Summary
CVE-2013-0239: Improper Authentication in Apache CXF. Affects org.apache.cxf:cxf-rt-frontend-jaxrs across 3 version ranges.
< 2.5.9
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.6
>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.3
Fixed in 2.5.9, 2.6.6 or 2.7.3, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache CXF is an open-source web services framework that provides a comprehensive set of tools and libraries for developing SOAP and RESTful web services. It is widely used in Java-based applications to implement web service functionality. The Apache CXF package affected by this vulnerability is 'org.apache.cxf:cxf-rt-frontend-jaxrs'. This package is responsible for providing JAX-RS frontend support for Apache CXF, enabling the development of RESTful web services. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication when the plaintext UsernameToken WS-SecurityPolicy is enabled.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Apache CXF arises when the plaintext UsernameToken WS-SecurityPolicy is enabled. In this scenario, an attacker can bypass authentication by sending a SOAP request with a security header containing a UsernameToken element that lacks a password child element. This allows the attacker to gain unauthorized access to the system without providing a valid password. The impact of this vulnerability can be significant, as it compromises the security of the affected web service and allows unauthorized users to perform actions that should be restricted to authenticated users only.
How To Fix
Fixed versions by release line
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 2.5.92.5.9 -
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.62.6.6 -
>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.32.7.3
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Workaround
If upgrading the Apache CXF package is not immediately feasible, a possible workaround is to disable the plaintext UsernameToken WS-SecurityPolicy. This can be achieved by modifying the configuration of the web service to use a different authentication mechanism or by enforcing stricter security policies that do not rely on the vulnerable component. However, it is strongly recommended to apply the official fix by upgrading the package as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Apache CXF allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access to the affected web service. It is crucial to apply the recommended fix by upgrading the Apache CXF package to a fixed version. If immediate upgrading is not possible, consider implementing the provided workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Apache CXF is an open-source web services framework that provides tools and libraries for developing SOAP and RESTful web services in Java.
The impacted package is 'org.apache.cxf:cxf-rt-frontend-jaxrs', which provides JAX-RS frontend support for Apache CXF.
The vulnerability occurs when the plaintext UsernameToken WS-SecurityPolicy is enabled. Attackers can exploit this by sending a SOAP request with a security header containing a UsernameToken element without a password child element.
The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication and gain access to the affected web service. This can lead to unauthorized actions being performed and compromise the security of the system.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the Apache CXF package to a version that includes the fix. For 'org.apache.cxf:cxf-rt-frontend-jaxrs', the fixed versions are 2.5.9, 2.6.6, and 2.7.3.
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