CVE-2023-35116 describes a medium-severity vulnerability within FasterXML's Jackson Databind library, affecting versions up to 2.15.2. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a denial of service or other unspecified impact via a crafted object that uses cyclic dependencies. The vendor argues that the nature of this vulnerability does not constitute a valid report, as external attackers cannot easily create such cyclic structures to exploit the serialization process.
The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 4.7, indicating its classification as medium severity. The implications of this vulnerability may lead to significant availability issues, which can affect applications relying on the affected library. Organizations using Jackson Databind should be aware of this vulnerability and take appropriate action in their patch management processes.
Although the vulnerability is categorized as medium severity, it highlights the importance of securing dependencies within software applications. Vulnerabilities such as this can lead to broader implications if not addressed, particularly in environments where availability is critical.
Organizations should prioritize patching Jackson Databind to the latest version following proper testing to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. Ensuring that all components are up-to-date is essential for maintaining a secure application environment.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2023-35116 states that it allows attackers to cause a denial of service or other unspecified impact via a crafted object that uses cyclic dependencies. The vendor maintains that the steps required to exploit this vulnerability cannot be achieved by an external attacker.
This vulnerability is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) as CWE-770, which refers to 'Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling'. The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, indicating that it requires local access (AV:L) with high attack complexity (AC:H) and low privileges required (PR:L).
This vulnerability affects the FasterXML Jackson Databind library, specifically all versions prior to 2.16.0. It was published on June 14, 2023, and has been designated as modified since then.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in how the Jackson Databind library handles object serialization. When an object with cyclic dependencies is processed, it can lead to excessive resource consumption, resulting in denial of service conditions. As a result, applications utilizing this library may become unresponsive under certain conditions.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning that an attacker must have access to the system where the affected library is implemented. The attack complexity is classified as high, indicating that executing an attack would require a certain level of skill and knowledge of the system's architecture.
In terms of privileges required, the exploitation of this vulnerability necessitates low privileges, meaning that an attacker does not need administrative rights to initiate the attack. User interaction is not required, which adds to the risk, as automated scripts could potentially exploit this vulnerability without user intervention.
From a confidentiality and integrity standpoint, there is no impact reported. However, the availability impact is high, making it a concern for organizations relying on uninterrupted access to their services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2023-35116 revolves around the potential for application downtime. Denial of service vulnerabilities can lead to significant disruptions in service availability, impacting business operations and potentially leading to financial loss. Organizations that utilize the Jackson Databind library should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts.
The blast radius for this vulnerability can vary depending on the application architecture and its reliance on the Jackson Databind library. In scenarios where multiple applications or services depend on this library, the impact could be widespread, affecting numerous users and clients.
Given the CVSS score of 4.7, organizations should address this vulnerability in their patch cycle. While it does not represent the highest severity, the potential availability impact warrants prompt attention to ensure that resources are not wasted on service interruptions.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Jackson Databind library are all versions prior to 2.16.0. Organizations should verify their current library versions and ensure that they are updated to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching by upgrading to Jackson Databind version 2.16.0 or later. If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, consider implementing configuration hardening measures and monitoring for any unusual behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.
For ongoing protection, organizations may benefit from adopting a penetration testing program that can help identify similar vulnerabilities in their applications.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for indicators of exploitation related to this vulnerability is crucial. Organizations should establish logging mechanisms to track serialization errors or excessive memory usage that could indicate attempts to exploit the vulnerability.
Additionally, behavioral anomalies in application performance may signal potential exploitation attempts. Implementing network controls to limit access to the application can also reduce the risk of exposure.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-35116 represents a noteworthy example of how even medium-severity vulnerabilities can have significant implications for availability. Security teams should recognize the patterns that emerge from vulnerabilities like this, reinforcing the need for thorough testing and proactive patch management.
This incident highlights the importance of securing software dependencies and ensuring that all components are regularly updated. Organizations are encouraged to develop a robust vulnerability management program to better handle such vulnerabilities in the future.
Furthermore, engaging in regular penetration testing exercises can reveal hidden vulnerabilities and strengthen overall security postures.
In conclusion, organizations should remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to vulnerability management to ensure their applications are resilient against potential threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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