CVE-2014-3576: Apache ActiveMQ - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in OS Command
Summary
CVE-2014-3576: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command in Apache ActiveMQ. Affects org.apache.activemq:activemq-client versions < 5.11.0. Fixed in 5.11.0. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- activemq · Debian:11
The same CVE-2014-3576 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
Apache ActiveMQ is an open-source message broker that provides reliable messaging between distributed applications. It is widely used in enterprise systems to facilitate communication between different components. The 'org.apache.activemq:activemq-client' package is a core component of Apache ActiveMQ, responsible for client-side functionality. This package allows applications to connect to an ActiveMQ broker and send/receive messages. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in versions prior to 5.11.0 that can lead to a denial of service (shutdown) attack.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2014-3576, resides in the 'processControlCommand' function within the 'broker/TransportConnection.java' file of Apache ActiveMQ. This function fails to properly neutralize special elements used in an operating system (OS) command, making it susceptible to command injection attacks. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted shutdown command to the ActiveMQ broker, causing it to shut down unexpectedly. This can result in a denial of service, disrupting the messaging infrastructure and impacting the availability of the affected system.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
5.11.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
If upgrading to the latest version is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented. Administrators can configure network-level access controls to restrict access to the ActiveMQ broker, allowing only trusted entities to send commands. By limiting the exposure of the broker to untrusted sources, the risk of exploitation can be mitigated. However, this workaround should be considered temporary, and upgrading to a patched version is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
The CVE-2014-3576 vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ poses a significant risk to the availability of affected systems. It is crucial to promptly upgrade to version 5.11.0 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Administrators should also follow secure coding practices and input validation techniques to prevent similar command injection vulnerabilities in the future. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Apache ActiveMQ is an open-source message broker that facilitates reliable messaging between distributed applications. It is widely used in enterprise systems.
The 'org.apache.activemq:activemq-client' package is a core component of Apache ActiveMQ responsible for client-side functionality, allowing applications to connect to an ActiveMQ broker and send/receive messages.
CVE-2014-3576 is a vulnerability identified in Apache ActiveMQ versions prior to 5.11.0. It allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (shutdown) by exploiting a command injection vulnerability in the 'processControlCommand' function.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service (shutdown) attack, causing the ActiveMQ broker to shut down unexpectedly. This can disrupt the messaging infrastructure and impact the availability of the affected system.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Apache ActiveMQ version 5.11.0 or later. Alternatively, network-level access controls can be configured to restrict access to the ActiveMQ broker, mitigating the risk temporarily.
References
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