CVE-2013-4221: Arbitrary Java Code Execution in Restlet via Crafted XML
Summary
CVE-2013-4221: Restlet is vulnerable to Arbitrary Java Code Execution via crafted XML. Affects org.restlet.jse:org.restlet versions < 2.1.4. Fixed in 2.1.4. How to fix ↓
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.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
Restlet is a Java-based framework for building web applications and APIs. It provides a simple and flexible way to handle HTTP requests and responses. The ObjectRepresentation class in Restlet before version 2.1.4 is vulnerable to arbitrary Java code execution when deserializing objects from untrusted sources using the Java XMLDecoder. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code by crafting malicious XML payloads.
Vulnerability Detail
The default configuration of the ObjectRepresentation class in Restlet before version 2.1.4 allows for the deserialization of objects from untrusted sources using the Java XMLDecoder. This can be exploited by remote attackers who can craft malicious XML payloads to execute arbitrary Java code. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or perform other malicious actions on the affected system. The vulnerability has a severity rating of HIGH.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.1.4
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
If upgrading to Restlet version 2.1.4 is not immediately feasible, a possible workaround is to disable XML deserialization in the affected code. This can be achieved by modifying the code to use a different serialization mechanism or by implementing custom input validation and sanitization before deserialization. Here is an example of how to disable XML deserialization in Restlet:
// Disable XML deserialization
ObjectRepresentation.setXmlDecoderEnabled(false);
Please note that this workaround may have implications on the functionality of the affected code and should be thoroughly tested before deployment.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Restlet allows for arbitrary Java code execution via crafted XML payloads. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Restlet version 2.1.4 or later. If immediate upgrade is not feasible, disabling XML deserialization in the affected code can serve as a temporary workaround. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.restlet.jse:org.restlet →
FAQ
Restlet is a Java-based framework for building web applications and APIs. It provides a simple and flexible way to handle HTTP requests and responses.
The vulnerability in Restlet is an arbitrary Java code execution vulnerability. It allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code by crafting malicious XML payloads and exploiting the deserialization process in the ObjectRepresentation class.
The impact of this vulnerability can be severe. An attacker can gain unauthorized access to the affected system, manipulate data, or perform other malicious actions by executing arbitrary Java code.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Restlet version 2.1.4 or later. This version includes a fix for the deserialization vulnerability. Alternatively, you can disable XML deserialization in the affected code as a temporary workaround.
Yes, a possible workaround is to disable XML deserialization in the affected code. This can be achieved by modifying the code to use a different serialization mechanism or by implementing custom input validation and sanitization before deserialization.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for org.restlet.jse:org.restlet.
