CVE-2016-4437 is a critical vulnerability that affects Apache Shiro versions prior to 1.2.5. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or bypass intended access restrictions when a cipher key has not been configured for the "remember me" feature. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a high risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of Apache Shiro.
The potential impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code within affected systems. Organizations deploying Apache Shiro must be aware of this critical vulnerability and the associated risks.
Given the critical nature of this vulnerability and its potential exploitation in the wild, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks. Regular updates and monitoring for vulnerabilities are essential components of a robust security posture.
As of the latest information, there are known exploits available, making it imperative for organizations to act swiftly in addressing this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2016-4437 states: "Apache Shiro before 1.2.5, when a cipher key has not been configured for the 'remember me' feature, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or bypass intended access restrictions via an unspecified request parameter."
This vulnerability is classified under the CWE-321: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key, indicating that the lack of proper configuration for the cipher key is a fundamental issue.
The CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the critical severity of this vulnerability, with a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Apache Shiro component, specifically versions prior to 1.2.5. Organizations running these versions should take immediate action to upgrade.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2016-4437 lies in the configuration of the 'remember me' feature within Apache Shiro. When a cipher key is not set, the system becomes vulnerable to remote code execution attacks.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring no special privileges or user interaction. The complexity is rated as low, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability easily if they have network access to the affected system.
The impacts of this vulnerability are severe. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high, indicating that exploitation could lead to significant negative consequences for affected organizations.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access and arbitrary code execution, which can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations. The blast radius of this vulnerability can be extensive, affecting all instances of Apache Shiro that have not been patched.
Due to the critical CVSS score, organizations must act promptly. The vulnerability is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating a heightened risk of exploitation in the wild.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts based on their risk appetite and the critical nature of the systems involved.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions for this vulnerability include Apache Shiro versions prior to 1.2.5. Organizations using these versions should upgrade to the latest patched version to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2016-4437.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate CVE-2016-4437. Specific steps include upgrading to Apache Shiro version 1.2.5 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, organizations should consider implementing configuration changes to disable the "remember me" feature until the patch can be applied.
In addition to patching, organizations should conduct regular security assessments, such as penetration testing, to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their systems.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, including unusual request patterns that may indicate attempts to bypass access controls.
Behavioral anomalies in user sessions, especially those involving the "remember me" feature, should also be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2016-4437 highlights the importance of secure configuration practices, particularly when dealing with authentication features. Organizations should ensure that cryptographic keys are properly configured to prevent unauthorized access.
This vulnerability represents a significant risk, and its presence in the KEV catalog suggests ongoing exploitation. Security teams should prioritize monitoring and response strategies for vulnerabilities such as this.
For further reading on security best practices, organizations may refer to the following resources: penetration testing methodology, vulnerability management program design, and API penetration testing guide to enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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