Critical Vulnerability in libxstream-java: Remote Command Execution Risk
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2021-21345: 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 that facilitates the serialization of objects to XML and vice versa. It is widely used in applications that require object persistence and data interchange. The library's functionality is crucial for developers who need to convert Java objects into XML format for storage or transmission. However, it has been found to have a significant security vulnerability that can be exploited if not properly managed.
Vulnerability Detail
XStream before version 1.4.16 contains a vulnerability that allows a remote attacker with sufficient rights to execute arbitrary commands on the host by manipulating the processed input stream. This vulnerability arises from the library's default security settings, which may not adequately protect against malicious input. If users do not implement XStream's security framework with a strict whitelist of required types, they are at risk of exploitation. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.9, indicating a critical level of severity.
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 immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing XStream's security framework with a whitelist of minimal required types to mitigate the risk of exploitation. This involves configuring the library to only allow specific classes to be deserialized, thus reducing the attack surface.
Conclusion
The libxstream-java library has a critical vulnerability that can lead to remote command execution if not properly managed. It is essential for users to update to the latest patched versions or implement strict security configurations to mitigate risks. Regular monitoring and vulnerability assessments are recommended to ensure application security.
See every vulnerability recorded for libxstream-java →
FAQ
The vulnerability allows remote command execution by manipulating the input stream if the security framework is not properly configured.
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Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized command execution on your server, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity.
Yes, versions 1.4.16 and above are considered safe as they contain fixes for this vulnerability.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 9.9, indicating a critical level of severity.
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