Critical Vulnerability in libxstream-java: Remote Data Exposure Risk
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2021-39152: XStream is a simple library to serialize objects to XML and back again. Affects libxstream-java versions < 1.4.15-3+deb11u1. Fixed in 1.4.15-3+deb11u1. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
libxstream-java is a widely used library that facilitates the serialization of Java objects to XML and vice versa. It is known for its simplicity and flexibility, allowing developers to easily convert complex data structures into a format that can be easily transmitted or stored. However, certain versions of this library are vulnerable to a security flaw that could allow unauthorized access to internal resources.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-39152 affects libxstream-java versions prior to 1.4.18. It allows remote attackers to manipulate the input stream processed by the library, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive internal resources that are not meant to be publicly accessible. This issue arises when the library's default security framework is used, which may not adequately restrict access to certain types. Users who have implemented a security framework with a strict whitelist of types are not affected.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.4.15-3+deb11u1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade libxstream-javaTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate upgrading is not feasible, consider implementing a custom security framework that utilizes a whitelist of allowed types, thereby mitigating the risk associated with the default blacklist. This can be done by configuring the XStream security framework as follows: 'XStream xstream = new XStream();
xstream.allowTypeHierarchy(SomeAllowedClass.class);
'.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in libxstream-java poses a significant risk of unauthorized access to internal resources. It is crucial for users to update to the patched versions to safeguard their applications. Implementing a custom security framework can serve as a temporary workaround while ensuring ongoing monitoring for vulnerabilities is essential.
See every vulnerability recorded for libxstream-java →
FAQ
CVE-2021-39152 is a security vulnerability in libxstream-java that allows remote attackers to access internal resources by manipulating the input stream.
Versions prior to 1.4.18 for Debian 12, 13, and 14, and prior to 1.4.15-3+deb11u1 for Debian 11 are affected.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
Implement a custom security framework with a whitelist of allowed types to mitigate the risk until you can upgrade.
Yes, Vulert can monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for libxstream-java.
