Critical Vulnerability CVE-50240-896950 Detected In Classmate-1.5.1.jar

by StackCamp Team 72 views

Hey guys, we've got a critical security vulnerability to discuss today that has been identified as CVE-50240-896950, affecting the classmate-1.5.1.jar library. This vulnerability has been flagged in the SAST-UP-DEV and SAST-Test-Repo-4e16e4bc-a537-486e-92ba-39686df7e5f5 discussion categories, so let's dive deep into what this means and how we can address it. Understanding the specifics of this vulnerability is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of our applications. This article aims to break down the details, potential impacts, and necessary steps to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-50240-896950. By focusing on clear explanations and actionable insights, we hope to empower you with the knowledge needed to protect your projects effectively.

Vulnerability Overview

Vulnerable Library: classmate-1.5.1.jar

The vulnerable component is the classmate-1.5.1.jar library. This library is designed for introspecting types and handles generic information, which includes resolving field and method types. It's part of the FasterXML project, a well-known ecosystem in the Java world. You can find more about the library on its homepage: https://fasterxml.com. The detection path in our project indicates that the library is a dependency within the /WebGoat8/pom.xml file, pinpointing the specific project where this vulnerability poses a risk. This means that any application utilizing this version of the library could be susceptible to the identified security flaw.

Dependency Hierarchy

The presence of classmate-1.5.1.jar was traced through the following dependency hierarchy:

  • spring-boot-starter-validation-2.6.6.jar (Root Library)
    • hibernate-validator-6.2.3.Final.jar
      • ❌ classmate-1.5.1.jar (Vulnerable Library)

This hierarchy illustrates that classmate-1.5.1.jar is a transitive dependency, meaning it's not directly included in the project but is brought in as a dependency of hibernate-validator-6.2.3.Final.jar, which is itself a dependency of spring-boot-starter-validation-2.6.6.jar. Identifying the dependency chain is crucial because it helps in pinpointing the exact components that need to be addressed to resolve the vulnerability. When a library is a transitive dependency, it's essential to understand how updates or patches to the direct dependencies can mitigate the risk.

Affected Commit and Branch

This vulnerability was found in the HEAD commit: 6da68435a81128a60ea403120a2b6f0a1715278b within the repository. Furthermore, it was also identified in the base branch, which is main. Knowing the specific commit and branch helps developers quickly locate the vulnerable code and start the remediation process. This information is vital for version control and ensures that the fixes are applied to the correct versions of the application. It also highlights the urgency of addressing this vulnerability, as it is present in the main codebase.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability, CVE-50240-896950, was automatically created by the test suite. The publish date is 2010-06-07, and you can find more details about this vulnerability at https://www.mend.io/vulnerability-database/CVE-50240-896950. It's important to review the detailed description and impact of the vulnerability to fully understand the risks involved. The fact that it was created by the test suite indicates that this is a known issue, and addressing it should be a priority. The provided URL offers a comprehensive overview of the vulnerability, including affected versions and potential mitigation strategies.

CVSS 3 Score Details (9.8)

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) v3 score for CVE-50240-896950 is a critical 9.8, which is quite alarming. Let's break down what this means:

Base Score Metrics

The base score is derived from two sets of metrics: Exploitability and Impact.

Exploitability Metrics

  • Attack Vector: Network

    • This means the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network, making it highly accessible to potential attackers. The network attack vector significantly increases the risk, as it doesn't require physical access to the system.

  • Attack Complexity: Low

    • Exploiting this vulnerability doesn't require advanced techniques or specific conditions. The low complexity makes it easier for attackers to exploit.

  • Privileges Required: None

    • An attacker doesn't need any privileges or credentials to exploit this vulnerability. This means anyone can attempt to exploit it, regardless of their access level.

  • User Interaction: None

    • No user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability. This is particularly dangerous because an attack can occur without the user being aware of it.

  • Scope: Unchanged

    • The vulnerability exploitation does not affect resources beyond the security scope managed by the security authority. While the immediate impact is contained, the high severity still warrants immediate attention.

Impact Metrics

  • Confidentiality Impact: High

    • Successful exploitation could lead to a significant loss of confidentiality, meaning sensitive information can be accessed by unauthorized parties. This can have severe consequences, including data breaches and privacy violations.

  • Integrity Impact: High

    • The integrity of the system or data can be severely compromised. Attackers could modify or corrupt data, leading to incorrect or unreliable information.

  • Availability Impact: High

    • The system's availability can be severely affected, potentially leading to denial-of-service conditions. This can disrupt normal operations and cause significant downtime.

For more detailed information on CVSS3 scores, you can refer to the official CVSS calculator here. A score of 9.8 indicates that this is a highly critical vulnerability that requires immediate attention and remediation.

Remediation Steps

Given the critical nature of CVE-50240-896950, here are some crucial steps to take:

  1. Update classmate Library: The most straightforward solution is to update the classmate library to a version that addresses this vulnerability. Check for newer versions of the library and update the dependency in your pom.xml file.

  2. Update Dependencies: Since classmate is a transitive dependency, updating hibernate-validator or spring-boot-starter-validation might bring in a newer, patched version of classmate. Review the release notes of these dependencies for information on included classmate versions.

  3. Verify the Fix: After updating, thoroughly test your application to ensure the vulnerability is resolved and no new issues have been introduced.

  4. Monitor for New Vulnerabilities: Regularly monitor your dependencies for new vulnerabilities and apply patches promptly. Tools like OWASP Dependency-Check can help automate this process.

  5. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider implementing a WAF to add an extra layer of security and help protect against potential exploits.

  6. Code Review: Conduct a code review to identify and address any other potential security vulnerabilities.

  7. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with security advisories and patch releases from the library maintainers and other security resources.

Conclusion

The discovery of CVE-50240-896950 in classmate-1.5.1.jar is a serious concern that demands immediate action. The critical CVSS score of 9.8 highlights the potential for significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. By understanding the vulnerability details, dependency hierarchy, and the affected parts of your project, you can take targeted steps to mitigate the risk. Updating the library and its dependencies is crucial, as is continuous monitoring for new vulnerabilities. Remember, maintaining a proactive security posture is essential for protecting your applications and data from potential threats. Let's prioritize these steps to ensure our projects remain secure and reliable.