A security issue was found in Netplex Json-smart versions 2.5.0 through 2.5.1. When loading a specially crafted JSON input, containing a large number of ‘{’, a stack exhaustion can be triggered, which could allow an attacker to cause a Denial of Service (DoS). This issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2023-1370.
With a CVSS score of 7.5, this vulnerability is classified as high severity. Its exploitation can lead to significant service interruption, making it crucial for organizations to understand and address this risk effectively. The potential for a Denial of Service attack is particularly concerning, as it may impact the availability of services relying on this JSON processing component.
The urgency to remediate this vulnerability is high, given its potential impact on service availability. Although there are no known exploits currently available, the risk to organizations includes possible service disruptions if this vulnerability is exploited.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to protect against this vulnerability and ensure the continued availability of their services.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability description indicates a flaw in the handling of JSON input which can lead to stack exhaustion. This issue is categorized under CWE-674, which refers to "Uncontrolled Recursion". It highlights the need for better input validation to prevent such conditions.
The CVSS vector string for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, indicating that it can be exploited over the network with low attack complexity and without the need for user interaction. The availability impact is marked as high, which aligns with the potential for a Denial of Service condition.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the way the Json-smart library processes JSON inputs. When a large number of opening braces are included, it can lead to excessive recursion, ultimately exhausting the stack space and causing a Denial of Service.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction. This increases the risk as it can be exploited by any attacker capable of sending malicious JSON data to the affected application.
The attack complexity is low, further emphasizing the importance of addressing this vulnerability. The impact on availability is significant, as system downtime can affect user access and service delivery.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk of this vulnerability is considerable as many applications and services rely on JSON for data interchange. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to disrupt services, leading to loss of revenue and damage to reputation. The potential blast radius includes any application utilizing the vulnerable versions of Json-smart.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts in their patch cycles. Given the high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability, it is imperative to address it promptly.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include Netplex Json-smart 2.5.0 through 2.5.1. Organizations using these versions should prioritize upgrading to a patched version as soon as it becomes available.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should monitor for the availability of patches for the affected versions of Netplex Json-smart. In the absence of immediate patches, applying input validation measures to limit the number of opening braces in JSON inputs can help mitigate the risk.
For more effective remediation, organizations may consider utilizing penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their applications.
Detection Guidance
To detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual JSON parsing errors and stack overflow indications. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in application performance may signal ongoing exploitation efforts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
Long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its representation of broader trends in JSON handling errors, which can lead to service disruptions. Security teams should take this opportunity to enhance their input validation mechanisms and review their JSON processing libraries.
Organizations are advised to stay informed about emerging vulnerabilities in widely used libraries, as they can pose significant risks. Reviewing the security of third-party components is critical for maintaining secure application environments.
For further reading on best practices, organizations can explore the following resources: penetration testing methodology, vulnerability management program design, and API penetration testing best practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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