CVE-2017-12149 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2017-12149 is a vulnerability found in the Jboss Application Server bundled with Red Hat Enterprise Application Platform 5.2, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code through deserialization of certain classes.

Understanding CVE-2017-12149

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the doFilter method of the ReadOnlyAccessFilter of the HTTP Invoker in Jboss Application Server.

What is CVE-2017-12149?

The vulnerability in CVE-2017-12149 enables threat actors to execute any code of their choice by taking advantage of the lack of restrictions on deserialization of specific classes using manipulated serialized data.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12149

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows attackers to remotely execute malicious code on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12149

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the doFilter method of the ReadOnlyAccessFilter of the HTTP Invoker in Jboss Application Server, enabling code execution through deserialization of certain classes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jboss Application Server
Vendor: Red Hat, Inc.
Versions: All versions bundled with Red Hat Enterprise Application Platform 5.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging manipulated serialized data to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-12149, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the patches provided by Red Hat to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the network or system that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation mechanisms to prevent malicious data input.
Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Red Hat has released security advisories (RHSA-2018:1607 and RHSA-2018:1608) containing patches to address CVE-2017-12149. Ensure timely application of these patches to secure the affected systems.