SDK, Java Technology Edition: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2023-38264 is a high-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in SDK, Java Technology Edition from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected SDK, Java Technology Edition versions: 7.1.0.0 through 7.1.5.21; 8.0.0.0 through 8.0.8.21. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.85% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 59% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Java Software Development Kit to 7.1.5.22 or 8.0.8.25, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | SDK, Java Technology Edition | 7.1.0.0 through 7.1.5.21; 8.0.0.0 through 8.0.8.21 | Not stated |
| IBM | Java Software Development Kit | 7.1.0.0 up to, but not including, 7.1.5.22; 8.0.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.0.8.25 | 7.1.5.22, 8.0.8.25 |
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
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.9 | Medium | CNA (us.ibm.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
The IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition's Object Request Broker (ORB) 7.1.0.0 through 7.1.5.21 and 8.0.0.0 through 8.0.8.21 is vulnerable to a denial of service attack in some circumstances due to improper enforcement of the JEP 290 MaxRef and MaxDepth deserialization filters. IBM X-Force ID: 260578.
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
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in SDK, Java Technology Edition
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
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