CVE-2024-38820: Spring Framework DataBinder Case Sensitive Match Exception Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2024-38820: Spring Framework DataBinder Case Sensitive Match Exception. Affects org.springframework:spring-context across 3 version ranges.
< 5.3.40
>= 6.0.0, <= 6.0.24
>= 6.1.0, < 6.1.14
Fixed in 5.3.40 or 6.1.14, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- libspring-java · Debian:11
The same CVE-2024-38820 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 Spring Framework is a powerful framework for building Java applications, providing comprehensive infrastructure support for developing Java applications. It offers features such as dependency injection, aspect-oriented programming, and transaction management. The DataBinder component is responsible for binding request parameters to Java objects, allowing for easy data manipulation. However, a recent vulnerability has been identified that affects the case sensitivity of disallowed fields, potentially leading to security issues.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a fix implemented for CVE-2022-22968, which made disallowedFields patterns in DataBinder case insensitive. However, the use of String.toLowerCase() in this context can lead to Locale-dependent exceptions, which may result in certain fields not being adequately protected. This could allow attackers to manipulate data binding and potentially exploit the application by bypassing security measures.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 7.1.0-RC1 as of 23 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.
-
< 5.3.405.3.40 -
>= 6.1.0, < 6.1.146.1.14
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 temporary workaround, you can manually validate and sanitize input fields before binding them to your Java objects. This can help mitigate the risk of exploitation until you can update to a patched version.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-38820 presents a significant risk to applications using the Spring Framework due to its impact on DataBinder's case sensitivity. It is crucial for developers to update to the patched versions to ensure the security of their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in monitoring and identifying vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.springframework:spring-context →
FAQ
CVE-2024-38820 is a vulnerability in the Spring Framework's DataBinder that affects the case sensitivity of disallowed fields, potentially allowing unauthorized data manipulation.
If your application uses the affected versions of the Spring Framework, it may be vulnerable to attacks that exploit the case sensitivity issue, leading to unauthorized access or data manipulation.
The affected versions include Spring Framework 6.0.0 to 6.0.24, 6.1.0 to 6.1.13, and all versions of 5.3.x up to 5.3.40.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By analyzing your pom.xml file, Vulert can help you determine if your application is affected by this vulnerability.
Yes, you can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
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