Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in libxstream-java
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2021-39154: 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 ↓
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Background
libxstream-java is a Java library that facilitates the serialization of objects to XML and vice versa. It is widely used in applications that require data interchange in XML format. The library is known for its simplicity and flexibility, allowing developers to easily convert Java objects into XML and back. However, certain versions of libxstream-java are vulnerable to a security flaw that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as DEBIAN-CVE-2021-39154 allows a remote attacker to manipulate the processed input stream, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code from a remote host. This issue arises from the way libxstream-java handles input streams without adequate security measures. If the security framework is not properly configured with a whitelist of allowed types, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access and control over the affected system.
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
As a temporary workaround, it is recommended to configure XStream's security framework to use a whitelist of allowed types. This can be done by explicitly defining the types that are permitted for serialization and deserialization, thereby mitigating the risk of exploitation until the package can be updated.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in libxstream-java poses a significant risk, allowing remote code execution through manipulated input streams. It is crucial for users to update to the patched versions of the library and implement security best practices to safeguard their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for libxstream-java →
FAQ
libxstream-java is a Java library used for serializing objects to XML and deserializing XML back into Java objects.
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the input stream processed by libxstream-java.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected system, potentially compromising sensitive data and application integrity.
Implement a whitelist in XStream's security framework to limit the types that can be serialized and deserialized, reducing the risk of exploitation.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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