CVE-2015-5253: Improper Access Control in Apache CXF
Summary
CVE-2015-5253: Improper Access Control in Apache CXF. Affects org.apache.cxf:cxf-rt-rs-security-sso-saml across 3 version ranges.
< 2.7.18
>= 3.0.0, < 3.0.7
>= 3.1.0, < 3.1.3
Fixed in 2.7.18, 3.0.7 or 3.1.3, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache CXF is an open-source, fully featured web services framework that helps users build and develop services using frontend programming APIs. It provides a standards-based programming model and supports multiple protocols such as SOAP, REST, and XML/HTTP. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5253 affects the SAML Web SSO module in Apache CXF versions before 2.7.18, 3.0.x before 3.0.7, and 3.1.x before 3.1.3. This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to bypass authentication by exploiting a flaw in the handling of SAML responses. Specifically, a crafted SAML response with a valid signed assertion can be used to perform a 'wrapping attack', enabling unauthorized access to protected resources.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from an improper access control issue in the SAML Web SSO module of Apache CXF. By manipulating the SAML response, an attacker can bypass the authentication process and gain unauthorized access to protected resources. This can lead to various security risks, such as unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential data breaches. The vulnerability has been assigned a severity level of MODERATE and is identified with the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) ID 284.
How To Fix
Fixed versions by release line
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 2.7.182.7.18 -
>= 3.0.0, < 3.0.73.0.7 -
>= 3.1.0, < 3.1.33.1.3
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, users can consider implementing additional security measures such as enforcing strict access controls, implementing multi-factor authentication, and monitoring access logs for suspicious activities. However, applying these workarounds may not fully address the underlying vulnerability, and upgrading to the fixed versions is still recommended.
Conclusion
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5253 in Apache CXF poses a risk of unauthorized access to protected resources. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions of Apache CXF. Additional security measures can be implemented as a temporary workaround, but they may not fully address the underlying vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Apache CXF is an open-source web services framework that allows users to build and develop services using frontend programming APIs. It supports multiple protocols such as SOAP, REST, and XML/HTTP.
The vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access to protected resources. This can lead to unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential data breaches.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to a fixed version of Apache CXF. For versions 2.7.x, upgrade to version 2.7.18 or later. For versions 3.0.x, upgrade to version 3.0.7 or later. For versions 3.1.x, upgrade to version 3.1.3 or later.
As a workaround, users can consider implementing additional security measures such as enforcing strict access controls, implementing multi-factor authentication, and monitoring access logs for suspicious activities. However, applying these workarounds may not fully address the underlying vulnerability, and upgrading to the fixed versions is still recommended.
The vulnerability has been assigned a severity level of MODERATE.
