Primetek Primefaces Remote Code Execution
CVE-2017-1000486 is a critical-severity inadequate encryption strength vulnerability in Primefaces from Primetek, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 5.2.21, 5.3.8 as the first without the flaw, so updating Primefaces to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on January 10, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Primefaces to 5.2.21 or 5.3.8, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primetek | Primefaces | 4.0 through 4.0.24; 5.0 up to, but not including, 5.2.21; 5.3 up to, but not including, 5.3.8 | 5.2.21, 5.3.8 |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Primetek Primefaces 5.x is vulnerable to a weak encryption flaw resulting in remote code execution
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Inadequate Encryption Strength
The product stores or transmits sensitive data using an encryption scheme that is theoretically sound, but is not strong enough for the level of protection required.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an encryption scheme that is currently considered to be strong by experts in the field.
More Inadequate Encryption Strength vulnerabilities (CWE-326)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- github.com/primefaces/primefaces/issues/1152Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
- exploit-db.com/exploits/43733/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2017-1000486US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- blog.mindedsecurity.com/2016/02/rce-in-oracle-netbeans-opensource.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory
Recent Inadequate Encryption Strength vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
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