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December 27, 2024
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How To Fix CVE-2024-52046 - A Critical RCE Vulnerability in Apache MINA Object Serialization Decoder


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Apache MINA, a widely used network application framework for building high-performance and scalable network applications, has recently been found to have a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability. Tracked as CVE-2024-52046 and carrying a maximum CVSS score of 10.0, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of the Apache MINA library. Security professionals, DevSecOps teams, and application security experts must take immediate action to protect their systems from potential exploitation.

About Apache MINA

Apache MINA (Multipurpose Infrastructure for Network Applications) is an abstract, event-driven asynchronous I/O API that simplifies network programming across various transport protocols like TCP/IP and UDP/IP. It provides a flexible framework for developing network applications, making it popular among developers for creating high-performance networked services.

Summary of the Vulnerability

  • CVE ID: CVE-2024-52046

  • Description: Critical remote code execution vulnerability in Apache MINA's ObjectSerializationDecoder

  • CVSS Score: 10.0 (Critical)

  • CVSS Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H

The vulnerability stems from the ObjectSerializationDecoder in Apache MINA, which uses Java's native deserialization protocol to process incoming serialized data. The decoder lacks necessary security checks and defenses, allowing attackers to exploit the deserialization process by sending specially crafted malicious serialized data, potentially leading to remote code execution.

Impact of the Vulnerability

The critical nature of CVE-2024-52046 cannot be overstated. An attacker can potentially execute arbitrary code on systems using vulnerable versions of Apache MINA by sending maliciously crafted serialized data. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction and can be exploited remotely, giving attackers complete control over the target system.

The potential impacts include:

  • Unauthorized remote code execution

  • Complete system compromise

  • Data theft or manipulation

  • Potential use as an entry point for further network infiltration

Products Affected by the Vulnerability

Product
Affected Versions
Apache MINA
2.0.0 through 2.0.26
Apache MINA
2.1.0 through 2.1.9
Apache MINA
2.2.0 through 2.2.3

Note: The FtpServer, SSHd, and Vysper sub-projects are not affected by this vulnerability.

How to Check Your Product is Vulnerable?

To determine if your Apache MINA deployment is vulnerable:

  1. Check the version of Apache MINA in your project dependencies

  2. ook for usage of IoBuffer#getObject() method

  3. Verify if a ProtocolCodecFilter instance using ObjectSerializationCodecFactory is in the filter chain

  4. Use dependency scanning tools to identify vulnerable library versions

How to Fix the Vulnerabilities?

mmediate Remediation Steps

  1. Upgrade to Patched Versions:

  • Apache MINA 2.0.27

  • Apache MINA 2.1.10

  • Apache MINA 2.2.4

2. Explicitly Configure Deserialization: Use one of these methods to restrict deserialized classes:

3. Default Deny Configuration: By default, the decoder will now reject all classes unless explicitly allowed.

// Accept classes matching a specific matcher
decoder.accept(ClassNameMatcher classNameMatcher)

// Accept classes matching a regex pattern
decoder.accept(Pattern pattern)

// Accept classes using wildcard patterns
decoder.accept(String... patterns)

Mitigation Strategies

  • Implement strict input validation

  • Use allowlisting for permitted serialized classes

  • Consider alternative serialization mechanisms

  • Regularly update dependencies

Conclusion

CVE-2024-52046 represents a critical security vulnerability that requires immediate attention from security professionals. By understanding the vulnerability, checking affected systems, and applying the recommended fixes, organizations can protect themselves from potential remote code execution attacks.

Stay vigilant, keep your systems updated, and prioritize security in your network applications.

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Arun KL

Arun KL is a cybersecurity professional with 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, cloud security, vulnerability management, Penetration Testing, security operations, and incident response. He is adept at designing and implementing robust security solutions to safeguard systems and data. Arun holds multiple industry certifications including CCNA, CCNA Security, RHCE, CEH, and AWS Security.

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