In Spring Framework versions 6.0.0 - 6.0.13, it is possible for a user to provide specially crafted HTTP requests that may cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. Specifically, an application is vulnerable when all of the following are true: the application uses Spring MVC or Spring WebFlux, io.micrometer:micrometer-core is on the classpath, and an ObservationRegistry is configured in the application to record observations. Typically, Spring Boot applications need the org.springframework.boot:spring-boot-actuator dependency to meet all conditions.
With a CVSS score of 5.3, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity. Organizations should assess their exposure and implement necessary mitigations to reduce the risk of potential service outages.
Risk to organizations includes potential disruption of service due to a denial-of-service condition, which may impact availability and user experience. As this vulnerability allows for network-based exploitation with low complexity and no required privileges or user interaction, it could be exploited remotely.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability was published on November 28, 2023, and is currently classified as modified.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that in Spring Framework versions 6.0.0 - 6.0.13, it is possible for a user to provide specially crafted HTTP requests that may cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. The affected components include Spring MVC or Spring WebFlux, with dependencies on io.micrometer:micrometer-core and an ObservationRegistry configured for observations. The vulnerability impacts applications that meet these conditions, particularly those using Spring Boot.
The CVSS score of 5.3 indicates that the vulnerability has a medium severity, with an availability impact rated as low according to the metrics from both VMware and NVD.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the handling of specially crafted HTTP requests. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction. The attack complexity is low, making it easier for potential attackers to exploit this vulnerability.
Confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as none, while availability impact is rated as low. If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to service disruptions, affecting users and potentially leading to financial losses for organizations.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on VMware's Spring Framework for their applications. The potential for denial-of-service attacks means that organizations could face service disruptions, affecting customer trust and operational efficiency.
Organizations should assess their exposure and implement mitigations as part of their security posture. Given the medium CVSS score, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to minimize the risk of exploitation.
The urgency to act on this vulnerability is heightened by its potential impact on availability and the low complexity of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Spring Framework are 6.0.0 through 6.0.13. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to 6.0.14 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately by upgrading to the latest version of the Spring Framework. If a patch is not available, consider implementing workarounds such as configuring network controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious requests.
Additionally, organizations should consider performing an application security assessment to identify any other vulnerabilities that may exist.
Detection Guidance
To detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability, organizations should monitor server logs for unusual patterns of HTTP requests that may indicate a denial-of-service attack. Additionally, monitoring for performance anomalies may help identify issues early.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and understanding the dependencies within applications. As organizations adopt frameworks like the Spring Framework, they must be vigilant about security updates.
Security teams should implement a robust vulnerability management program to proactively address such vulnerabilities.
Regular security assessments, including penetration testing, can help identify and mitigate potential threats before they can be exploited.
Finally, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities as part of their strategic defense strategy.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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