CVE-2018-18854 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Remote attackers can exploit a vulnerability in Lightbend Spray spray-json up to version 1.3.4 to disrupt the availability of a system by consuming excessive resources due to algorithmic complexity in parsing JSON object fields.

Understanding CVE-2018-18854

Lightbend Spray spray-json through version 1.3.4 is susceptible to a denial of service attack caused by the complexity of parsing JSON object fields with identical hash codes.

What is CVE-2018-18854?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in Lightbend Spray spray-json that allows remote attackers to exhaust system resources by exploiting the algorithmic complexity associated with parsing JSON object fields.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18854

The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition, disrupting the availability of the affected system by consuming excessive resources during JSON parsing.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18854

Lightbend Spray spray-json up to version 1.3.4 is affected by the following:

Vulnerability Description

Remote attackers can cause a denial of service by exploiting the algorithmic complexity in parsing JSON object fields.

Affected Systems and Versions

Lightbend Spray spray-json versions up to 1.3.4 are vulnerable.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the complexity of parsing JSON object fields with identical hash codes to consume excessive resources.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Update Lightbend Spray spray-json to a patched version.
Implement network-level controls to filter out malicious traffic. Long-Term Security Practices:
Regularly monitor and audit system resources and performance.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent algorithmic complexity vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about security updates and best practices.
Patching and Updates:
Apply patches and updates provided by Lightbend Spray to address the vulnerability.