CVE-2021-39144KEV · OVERDUECWE-502CWE-94

XStream is vulnerable to a Remote Command Execution attack

High · published August 23, 2021

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.5. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.9th percentile for exploit probability.

1303
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.5
EPSS
98%
Percentile
99.9
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ A crafty input stream can lead to remote command execution! In versions of XStream up to 1.4.18, a remote attacker could manipulate the processed inputs just like a sneaky intruder slipping in through the back door. 🔥 Think of XStream like a restaurant that only allows certain ingredients in the kitchen. If the head chef isn't diligent, a delivery driver might drop off something dangerous, which could spoil the whole dish. This vulnerability lets attackers smuggle in unauthorized commands if they're not kept in check! An attacker with sufficient rights could execute commands directly on the host server, potentially gaining control over critical systems and data. This could lead to a complete system compromise, exposing sensitive information or causing massive disruptions. It's a high-stakes game where every moment counts!

Put simply

Think of XStream like a restaurant that only allows certain ingredients in the kitchen. If the head chef isn't diligent, a delivery driver might drop off something dangerous, which could spoil the whole dish. This vulnerability lets attackers smuggle in unauthorized commands if they're not kept in check! CVE-2021-39144 affects XStream's handling of input streams, allowing remote attackers to execute commands by manipulating serialized objects. The vulnerability arises due to the shift from a blacklist to a whitelist approach, making it crucial to limit processed types appropriately.

What to do

An attacker with sufficient rights could execute commands directly on the host server, potentially gaining control over critical systems and data. This could lead to a complete system compromise, exposing sensitive information or causing massive disruptions. It's a high-stakes game where every moment counts! To mitigate this risk, upgrade to XStream version 1.4.19 or later immediately. Ensure that you configure the library's security framework with a strict whitelist of types that are necessary for your application. Additionally, review the input streams being processed to prevent unwanted commands from slipping through. You've got this! With these steps, you'll tighten up security and protect against this sneaky vulnerability. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.5 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.98124 · 99.9th percentile
Weaknesses
CWE-502 · Deserialization of Untrusted Data; CWE-94 · Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
Published
2021-08-23T00:00Z
KEV added
2023-03-10 · due 2023-03-31
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 10 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Mar 31
    kev
  • 23 AUG 00:00Z
    XStream is vulnerable to a Remote Command Execution attack
    cvelistv5