This vulnerability allows servlets with multipart support in Eclipse Jetty to experience an OutOfMemoryError when handling large multipart requests from clients. Attackers may exploit this flaw by sending multipart requests that include a part with a name but no filename, which can overwhelm the server even under default configurations. This condition can occur regardless of the file size threshold settings, indicating a critical need for user awareness and proactive remediation.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.3, categorizing it as medium-severity. The implications of such an issue can lead to service disruption, although the server may eventually recover from the OutOfMemoryError. Organizations leveraging Jetty for their web applications must recognize the potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability and take immediate steps to mitigate the risk.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Versions 9.4.51, 10.0.14, and 11.0.14 have addressed this issue. For users unable to upgrade, it is recommended to set the multipart parameter maxRequestSize to limit the size of incoming multipart content to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
In summary, this vulnerability poses a real risk to organizations using affected versions of Eclipse Jetty. Immediate action is required to prevent potential service interruptions and ensure the stability of applications relying on this servlet engine.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in Eclipse Jetty allows for an OutOfMemoryError when handling multipart requests. Specifically, servlets that utilize multipart support and call methods like HttpServletRequest.getParameter() or HttpServletRequest.getParts() can be impacted if a large multipart request is sent without a filename. This issue has been documented in GitHub issue number 9076.
The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L, indicating that the attack vector is network-based with low complexity and no privileges or user interaction required. The availability impact is rated as low, suggesting that while service can be disrupted, recovery is possible.
The affected product, Jetty, is widely used for Java-based web applications. Organizations running versions below 9.4.51, 10.0.14, and 11.0.14 are vulnerable and should review their configurations and upgrade paths.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in how Jetty processes multipart requests. The server does not sufficiently manage memory when large multipart requests are sent without filenames, leading to potential OutOfMemoryErrors. The attack vector is classified as network-based, meaning that a remote attacker can exploit it without physical access to the server.
The attack complexity is low, as no special conditions or privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability. User interaction is also not needed, making it easier for malicious actors to leverage this flaw.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality and integrity of the application are not compromised, but the availability impact is low. The server may experience downtime or delays in recovery, which can affect users relying on the application.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations running affected versions of Jetty are at risk of experiencing service interruptions due to OutOfMemoryErrors. The blast radius for this vulnerability includes all applications utilizing Jetty for handling multipart requests, which could lead to widespread availability issues.
Given the CVSS score of 5.3, this vulnerability should be treated with medium urgency. Organizations should address this in their priority patch cycle to ensure continued operation and reliability of their services.
The potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability underscores the necessity for immediate remediation. Keeping Jetty updated to the latest patched versions will mitigate risks and prevent possible disruptions.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of Jetty are affected by this vulnerability: all versions prior to 9.4.51, 10.0.14, and 11.0.14. Organizations should ensure that their installations are upgraded to these versions or later.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations are advised to upgrade to the latest versions of Jetty: 9.4.51, 10.0.14, or 11.0.14. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, users should set the multipart parameter maxRequestSize to a non-negative value to limit the size of incoming multipart requests.
For more detailed guidance on securing Jetty and handling multipart requests, organizations can refer to the following resources: application security assessment and penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for unusual memory usage patterns on Jetty servers can help in early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Administrators should review logs for anomalies related to multipart request handling and OutOfMemoryErrors.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust validation and handling of multipart requests in web applications. Organizations should be proactive in their security posture, ensuring that all components, including web servers like Jetty, are adequately configured and regularly updated.
For further insights on security best practices, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design resources.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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