A flaw was found in RESTEasy in all versions up to 4.6.0.Final. The vulnerability allows endpoint class and method names to be returned in exception responses when RESTEasy fails to convert request URI parameters to the expected resource method parameters. This flaw poses a risk primarily to data confidentiality, as it can expose sensitive information regarding the application's structure.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.3, categorizing it as medium severity. This score reflects a network attack vector with low complexity and no required privileges or user interaction. The potential for data exposure makes it a significant concern for organizations utilizing RESTEasy.
Currently, there are no known exploits associated with this vulnerability, which may provide some relief. However, organizations should remain vigilant and prioritize patching as soon as updates are available.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability (CVE-2021-20289) is associated with RESTEasy, a framework for building RESTful web services in Java. The flaw occurs when RESTEasy cannot convert URI path or query values into the expected values for JAX-RS resource methods. The ability to expose endpoint information can lead to further attacks targeting the application's security.
The published date of this vulnerability is March 26, 2021, and it has been classified under CWE-209, which signifies information exposure through error messages. Organizations using affected versions should take immediate steps to mitigate the risks.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability lies in how RESTEasy processes requests. When a request cannot be properly matched to a resource method, the system returns an error message that discloses sensitive endpoint information. This can be exploited by attackers to gain insights into the application's structure, potentially leading to further attacks.
The attack vector is network-based, which means that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without needing physical access to the affected system. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any special privileges or user interaction.
The potential impacts include low confidentiality due to the exposure of endpoint information, while integrity and availability remain unaffected.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for attackers to gain insights about the application's backend structure. This information can be misused to launch more sophisticated attacks, including attempts to exploit other vulnerabilities or conduct unauthorized access.
The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is high, given the potential risk to data confidentiality. Implementing the necessary patches and updates promptly will help mitigate these risks and protect sensitive information.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
RESTEasy versions prior to 4.6.0.Final are affected by this vulnerability. Additionally, the vulnerability impacts products such as OnCommand Insight and Quarkus, among others.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply patches as soon as they are available to address this vulnerability. For RESTEasy, users should upgrade to version 4.6.1 or later. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing additional security measures such as input validation and error handling to mitigate the exposure.
For more information on conducting effective security assessments, organizations can refer to our application security assessment services.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for specific error messages related to method class exposure can help detect potential attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also look for unusual patterns of requests that may indicate probing for information.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-20289 lies in its representation of how vulnerabilities in web frameworks can lead to data exposure. It highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for regular security audits.
Security teams should prioritize the development of robust error-handling mechanisms to prevent similar disclosures in the future. By learning from vulnerabilities like these, organizations can strengthen their overall security posture.
For further reading on vulnerability management, organizations can explore our vulnerability management program design.
Additionally, the relevance of continuous security measures is emphasized by the need for regular assessments. Organizations can enhance their security strategies through continuous penetration testing methodologies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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