CVE-2018-1257: Denial of Service in org.springframework:spring-core
Summary
CVE-2018-1257: Denial of Service in org.springframework:spring-core. Affects org.springframework:spring-core across 2 version ranges.
< 4.3.17
>= 5.0.0, < 5.0.6
Fixed in 4.3.17 or 5.0.6, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- libspring-java · Debian:11
The same CVE-2018-1257 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
The org.springframework:spring-core package is a core component of the Spring Framework, which is a popular Java-based application framework used for building enterprise-level applications. It provides essential features and utilities for application development, including dependency injection, data access, and transaction management. The vulnerability affects versions 5.0.x prior to 5.0.6, versions 4.3.x prior to 4.3.17, and older unsupported versions of the Spring Framework.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability allows applications to expose STOMP (Simple Text Oriented Messaging Protocol) over WebSocket endpoints with a simple, in-memory STOMP broker through the spring-messaging module. A malicious user or attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a message to the broker that triggers a regular expression denial of service attack. This can lead to a denial of service condition, causing the application to become unresponsive or crash.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 7.1.0-RC1 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.
-
< 4.3.174.3.17 -
>= 5.0.0, < 5.0.65.0.6
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround provided for this vulnerability. However, as a general best practice, it is recommended to follow secure coding practices and implement proper input validation and sanitization to mitigate the risk of denial of service attacks.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in org.springframework:spring-core can be exploited to launch a denial of service attack on applications that expose STOMP over WebSocket endpoints. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to upgrade to a fixed version of the Spring Framework and review custom code or configurations related to STOMP over WebSocket endpoints. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.springframework:spring-core →
FAQ
The Spring Framework is a Java-based application framework that provides essential features and utilities for building enterprise-level applications.
STOMP (Simple Text Oriented Messaging Protocol) is a lightweight messaging protocol used for real-time communication between clients and servers.
A denial of service attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a system or network, making it unavailable to its intended users.
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition, causing the affected application to become unresponsive or crash, potentially impacting its availability and performance.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert provides real-time monitoring and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in software.
References
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