Critical Vulnerability Alert: Apache MINA CVE-2024-52046 Exposes Systems to Remote Code Execution

Executive Summary

Date: October 2023

CVE-2024-52046 is a critical vulnerability identified in the Apache MINA library, specifically within the ObjectSerializationDecoder component. This vulnerability arises from the improper handling of Java's native deserialization protocol, which lacks necessary security checks. As a result, attackers can exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted malicious serialized data, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE). The affected versions include Apache MINA core versions 2.0.X, 2.1.X, and 2.2.X. The vulnerability will be addressed in the upcoming releases: 2.0.27, 2.1.10, and 2.2.4. It is crucial for organizations using these versions to upgrade immediately once the patched versions are available to mitigate potential risks.

Technical Information

CVE-2024-52046 is a severe vulnerability that has been identified in the Apache MINA library, a network application framework that provides a high-level API for building network applications. The vulnerability is specifically located in the ObjectSerializationDecoder component, which is responsible for handling Java's native deserialization protocol. The flaw arises from the improper handling of serialized data, which lacks the necessary security checks to prevent malicious data from being processed.

The vulnerability is exploited by leveraging the deserialization process in applications that use the IoBuffer#getObject() method. This method is typically invoked when a ProtocolCodecFilter instance is added using the ObjectSerializationCodecFactory class in the filter chain. If your application uses these specific classes, it is vulnerable to exploitation. The deserialization process is inherently risky because it allows for the execution of arbitrary code if the serialized data is not properly validated. In this case, the lack of security checks in the ObjectSerializationDecoder component allows attackers to send specially crafted serialized data that can lead to remote code execution.

The CWE-94 classification, which stands for Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection'), highlights the severity of this vulnerability. The CVSS 4.0 score of 10.0 further emphasizes the critical nature of this flaw, indicating that it requires immediate attention from organizations using affected versions of Apache MINA.

Exploitation in the Wild

As of the latest updates, there have been no confirmed reports of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild. Additionally, there are no known exploits available for this vulnerability. However, given the critical nature of the flaw and the potential for remote code execution, it is essential for organizations to take proactive measures to protect their systems.

APT Groups using this vulnerability

No APT groups have been identified as using CVE-2024-52046 according to MITRE or other sources. However, it is important to remain vigilant and monitor for any updates or changes in this status.

Affected Product Versions

The affected versions of the Apache MINA library include core versions 2.0.X, 2.1.X, and 2.2.X. The vulnerability will be addressed in the upcoming releases: 2.0.27, 2.1.10, and 2.2.4. Organizations using these versions should prioritize upgrading to the patched versions as soon as they are available.

Workaround and Mitigation

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-52046, organizations should implement the following strategies. First, it is crucial to upgrade to the latest version of the Apache MINA core library as soon as the patched versions are released. This will ensure that the vulnerability is addressed and the risk of exploitation is minimized. Second, implement class whitelisting in the ObjectSerializationDecoder instance by using the new methods provided:

accept(ClassNameMatcher classNameMatcher)

,

accept(Pattern pattern)

, and

accept(String... patterns)

. By default, the decoder will reject all classes present in the incoming data unless explicitly allowed. This will help prevent malicious data from being processed and reduce the risk of remote code execution.

References

For more information on CVE-2024-52046, please refer to the following resources. The NVD Entry for CVE-2024-52046 provides detailed information on the vulnerability, including its CVSS score and CWE classification. The Apache Security Advisory offers guidance on how to address the vulnerability and implement mitigation strategies. Additionally, the Openwall Security Mailing List provides updates and discussions related to the vulnerability.

Rescana is here for you

At Rescana, we are committed to helping our customers navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats. Our CTEM - Continuous Threat and Exposure Management platform is designed to provide comprehensive protection against vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-52046. By continuously monitoring your systems and providing real-time alerts, we help you stay ahead of potential threats and ensure the security of your organization. If you have any questions about this report or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact us at ops@rescana.com. We are here to assist you in safeguarding your digital assets.