CVE-2017-7536: Privilege Escalation in Hibernate Validator
Summary
CVE-2017-7536: Privilege Escalation in Hibernate Validator. Affects org.hibernate:hibernate-validator across 3 version ranges.
>= 5.2.0, < 5.2.5.Final
>= 5.3.0, < 5.3.6.Final
>= 5.4.0, < 5.4.2.Final
Fixed in 5.2.5.Final, 5.3.6.Final or 5.4.2.Final, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- libhibernate-validator-java · Debian:11
The same CVE-2017-7536 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
Hibernate Validator is a widely used Java library that provides a framework for performing bean validation. It ensures that the data entered into Java objects meets specific criteria defined by annotations. By validating the objects, Hibernate Validator helps maintain data integrity and consistency in applications. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in versions 5.2.x, 5.3.x, and 5.4.x of Hibernate Validator that can lead to privilege escalation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability (CVE-2017-7536) arises when the security manager's reflective permissions, which allow access to private members of a class, are granted to Hibernate Validator. If an attacker can exploit this situation by accessing private members without permission, they may be able to validate an invalid instance and access the private member value through ConstraintViolation#getInvalidValue(). This can potentially lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 9.0.0.Beta3 as of 22 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
>= 5.2.0, < 5.2.5.Final5.2.5.Final -
>= 5.3.0, < 5.3.6.Final5.3.6.Final -
>= 5.4.0, < 5.4.2.Final5.4.2.Final
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to update to the fixed versions as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation.
Conclusion
The privilege escalation vulnerability in Hibernate Validator can allow unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data. It is crucial to update to the fixed versions (5.2.5.Final, 5.3.6.Final, or 5.4.2.Final) to mitigate this risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.hibernate:hibernate-validator →
FAQ
Hibernate Validator is a Java library used for bean validation, ensuring that data entered into Java objects meets specific criteria.
Privilege escalation is the act of exploiting a vulnerability to gain higher privileges or access rights than intended or authorized.
By accessing private members without permission, an attacker can validate an invalid instance and access the private member value, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data manipulation.
Versions 5.2.x, 5.3.x, and 5.4.x of Hibernate Validator are affected.
To fix this vulnerability, update your Hibernate Validator dependency to version 5.2.5.Final, 5.3.6.Final, or 5.4.2.Final.
References
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