CVE-2021-21350: XStream is vulnerable to an Arbitrary Code Execution attack
A flaw was found in xstream. A remote attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code only by manipulating the processed input stream. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity as well as system availability.
Other sources
XStream is a Java library to serialize objects to XML and back again. In XStream before version 1.4.16, there is a vulnerability which may allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code only by manipulating the processed input stream. No user is affected, who followed the recommendation to setup XStream's security framework with a whitelist limited to the minimal required types. If you rely on XStream's default blacklist of the Security Framework, you will have to use at least version 1.4.16.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
redhat/xstreamto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 0:1.3.1-13.el7_9 - Upgrade
Upgrade
debian/libxstream-javato a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.4.15-3+deb11u2Fixed in 1.4.15-3+deb11u3Fixed in 1.4.20-1+deb12u1Fixed in 1.4.21-1 - Upgrade
Upgrade
redhat/xstreamto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.4.16 - Upgrade
Upgrade
x-stream/xstreamto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.4.16 - Configuration
Configure XStream's security framework with a whitelist limited to the minimal required types.
XStream Security Framework whitelist = minimal required types
Event History
Parent advisories
This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the vulnerability ID?
The vulnerability ID is CVE-2021-21350.
What is the severity of CVE-2021-21350?
The severity of CVE-2021-21350 is critical with a CVSS score of 9.8.
What is the affected software?
The affected software includes XStream version up to but excluding 1.4.16, libxstream-java version 1.4.20-1, and various Oracle products such as Oracle WebLogic Server and Oracle Retail Xstore Point of Service.
How does this vulnerability allow remote code execution?
This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the input stream processed by XStream.
Are there any remedies or fixes available?
Yes, updating XStream to version 1.4.16 or higher can fix this vulnerability.