Server-Side Forgery Request Vulnerability in libxstream-java: CVE-2020-26258
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2020-26258: XStream is a Java library to serialize objects to XML and back again. Affects libxstream-java versions < 1.4.7-1ubuntu0.1+esm2. Fixed in 1.4.7-1ubuntu0.1+esm2. How to fix ↓
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Background
libxstream-java is a Java library designed for serializing objects to XML and deserializing XML back into objects. It is widely used in applications that require data interchange in XML format. The library provides a flexible API and supports various data types, making it a popular choice among developers. However, it is vulnerable to a Server-Side Forgery Request (SSRF) issue that can be exploited by attackers to access internal resources.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-26258, exists in versions of XStream prior to 1.4.15. It allows a remote attacker to manipulate the input stream during the unmarshalling process, potentially leading to unauthorized access to internal resources that are not publicly available. This could result in sensitive data exposure or further exploitation of the system. Users who rely on XStream's default blacklist for security are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without proper configuration.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.4.7-1ubuntu0.1+esm2
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 users cannot immediately upgrade to a patched version, they can mitigate the risk by configuring XStream's Security Framework to use a whitelist for allowed types instead of relying on the default blacklist. This can be done by modifying the security settings in the application code to specify which types are permitted for unmarshalling.
Conclusion
CVE-2020-26258 represents a significant security risk for applications using libxstream-java versions prior to 1.4.15. Users are strongly advised to update to the latest patched versions or implement workarounds to secure their applications against potential exploitation.
See every vulnerability recorded for libxstream-java →
FAQ
CVE-2020-26258 is a vulnerability in the libxstream-java library that allows remote attackers to exploit Server-Side Forgery Request issues during the unmarshalling process.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by simply uploading your manifest file like package-lock.json.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to internal resources, potentially exposing sensitive data and increasing the risk of further attacks.
Yes, users can configure XStream's Security Framework to use a whitelist for allowed types to mitigate the risk until they can upgrade to a patched version.
The CVSS score of CVE-2020-26258 is 7.7, indicating a high severity level.
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