Friday, November 1, 2024
HomeCVE/vulnerabilityApache Commons "Text4Shell" Flaw Could Trigger Code Execution With Malicious Input

Apache Commons “Text4Shell” Flaw Could Trigger Code Execution With Malicious Input

Published on

Malware protection

Many people are concerned about an RCE flaw in the Apache Commons Text library. They believe that this RCE flaw may turn out to be the next successive “Log4shell” flaw.

The new RCE flaw in Apache Commons Text is tracked as CVE-2022-42889 and the flaw has been dubbed “Text4Shell.” The GitHub security analyst Alvaro Munoz was the one who discovered the issue. A report was already sent by him to Apache on March 9, 2022, informing them of the issue.

There are many open-source Java libraries out there, but Apache Commons Text is one of the most popular, as this library comes with an interpolation system. 

- Advertisement - SIEM as a Service

Based on an inputted string lookup as a basis for the interpolation system, the developers have the possibility of performing the following tasks with the values of strings:-

  • Ability to modify
  • Ability to decode
  • Ability to escape

Technical Analysis

The flaw exists due to the interpolation system, as it executes hazardous script evaluation, which causes the appearance of Text4Shell vulnerability.

Using the library’s default configuration, it is possible for this system to trigger code execution in the event of malicious input being processed.

As a result of variable interpolation, Apache Commons Text is capable of dynamic evaluations and expansions of properties. As far as interpolation is concerned, the standard format is as follows:-

  • ${prefix:name}

Here to locate the instance of “org.apache.commons.text.lookup.StringLookup” the “prefix” is used and with the help of the located instance the interpolation process is performed.

On October 12, 2022, the open-source library developers published a bug-fixing version 1.10.0 for their open-source library, which removes the interpolation feature, a fix that took 7 months to complete.

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2022-03-09: Issue reported to security@commons.apache.org
  • 2022-03-25: Apache Commons security team acknowledged receiving the report
  • 2022-05-27: GHSL requested a status update
  • 2022-05-27: Apache Commons security team notifies they are working on disabling the script interpolation by default
  • 2022-06-29: Apache Commons security team states that “Commons Text” will be updated, in order to make the programmer’s intention completely explicit on using a “dangerous” feature
  • 2022-08-11: GHSL requested a status update
  • 2022-10-12: Apache Commons Text releases version 1.10.0 where script interpolation is disabled by default

Do you need to be concerned?

Like the damage done by the Log4Shell vulnerability, in the beginning, many users were concerned about the damage that could be done by the distribution of the vulnerable library due to its widespread deployment.

There is no indication that all versions between 1.5 and 1.9 are vulnerable. Depending on the JDK version that is being used, the exploitation potential is primarily affected.

There is a flaw in the string interpolation algorithm, which is a documented feature, but the scope of the flaw is not as serious as in Log4Shell.

Recommendation

The developers have recently updated the Apache Commons Text library to fix this flaw. So, they have strongly recommended users who use the Apache Commons Text library upgrade their old version to 1.10 or higher to remain safe.

Moreover, there has also been confirmation from Apache’s security team that the issue does not bear any similarity to Log4Shell, in short, it’s now so critical or serious as Log4Shell vulnerability.

Also Read: Download Secure Web Filtering – Free E-book

Gurubaran
Gurubaran
Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Latest articles

LightSpy iOS Malware Enhanced with 28 New Destructive Plugins

The LightSpy threat actor exploited publicly available vulnerabilities and jailbreak kits to compromise iOS...

ATPC Cyber Forum to Focus on Next Generation Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Issues

White House National Cyber Director, CEOs, Key Financial Services Companies, Congressional and Executive Branch...

New PySilon RAT Abusing Discord Platform to Maintain Persistence

Cybersecurity experts have identified a new Remote Access Trojan (RAT) named PySilon. This Trojan...

Konni APT Hackers Attacking Organizations with New Spear-Phishing Tactics

The notorious Konni Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group has intensified its cyber assault on...

Free Webinar

Protect Websites & APIs from Malware Attack

Malware targeting customer-facing websites and API applications poses significant risks, including compliance violations, defacements, and even blacklisting.

Join us for an insightful webinar featuring Vivek Gopalan, VP of Products at Indusface, as he shares effective strategies for safeguarding websites and APIs against malware.

Discussion points

Scan DOM, internal links, and JavaScript libraries for hidden malware.
Detect website defacements in real time.
Protect your brand by monitoring for potential blacklisting.
Prevent malware from infiltrating your server and cloud infrastructure.

More like this

Google Chrome Security, Critical Vulnerabilities Patched

Google has updated its Chrome browser, addressing critical vulnerabilities that posed potential risks to...

New Windows Downgrade Attack Let Hackers Downgrade Patched Systems To Exploits

The researcher discovered a vulnerability in the Windows Update process that allowed them to...

Hackers Use Fog Ransomware To Attack SonicWall VPNs And Breach Corporate Networks

Recent cyberattacks involving Akira and Fog threat actors have targeted various industries, exploiting a...