Apache Dubbo: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2023-23638 is a critical-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in Apache Dubbo from Apache, 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. Affected Apache Dubbo versions: Apache Dubbo 2.7.x through 2.7.21; Apache Dubbo 3.0.x through 3.0.13; Apache Dubbo 3.1.x through 3.1.5. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 4.89% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 7.79% of all scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Apache Dubbo you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache Dubbo | Apache Dubbo 2.7.x through 2.7.21; Apache Dubbo 3.0.x through 3.0.13; Apache Dubbo 3.1.x through 3.1.5 | Not stated |
| Apache | Dubbo | 2.7.0 through 2.7.21; 3.0.0 through 3.0.13; 3.1.0 through 3.1.5 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. 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 | 5.0 | Medium | CNA (apache.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
A deserialization vulnerability existed when dubbo generic invoke, which could lead to malicious code execution. This issue affects Apache Dubbo 2.7.x version 2.7.21 and prior versions; Apache Dubbo 3.0.x version 3.0.13 and prior versions; Apache Dubbo 3.1.x version 3.1.5 and prior versions.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- lists.apache.org/thread/8h6zscfzj482z512d2v5ft63hdhzm0cbIssue Tracking
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Dubbo
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
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