Overview
On January 12, NSFOCUS CERT found that Apache issued a security notice to fix a remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2021-43297) in Dubbo. Due to a deserialization vulnerability in Dubbo’s hessian-lite, an unauthenticated attacker could exploit the vulnerability to remotely execute arbitrary code on the target system. Most Dubbo users use Hessian2 as the serialization/deserialization protocol by default. When Hessian catches an exception, Hessian will log out some user information, which may lead to remote command execution. Relevant users are requested to take measures to protect them as soon as possible.
Apache Dubbo is a microservice development framework that provides two key capabilities, RPC communication and microservice governance. It enables the application to realize the output and input functions of the service through high-performance RPC, which can be seamlessly integrated with the Spring framework.
Reference link: https://lists.apache.org/thread/1mszxrvp90y01xob56yp002939c7hlww
Scope of Impact
Affected version
- Apache Dubbo 2.6.x < 2.6.12
- Apache Dubbo 2.7.x < 2.7.15
- Apache Dubbo 3.0.x < 3.0.5
Unaffected version
- Apache Dubbo = 2.6.12
- Apache Dubbo = 2.7.15
- Apache Dubbo = 3.0.5
Mitigation
Patch update
At present, the official has released a fixed version for this vulnerability. Please take measures to upgrade the protection as soon as possible. Download link: https://github.com/apache/dubbo/releases
Upgrade reference documentation: http://dubbo.apache.org/zh-cn/docs/user/versions/version-270.html
Note: To prevent accidents, it is recommended to back up data before upgrading.
Other measurement
- Close the Dubbo server port open to the public network, and only allow trusted IP access.
- The Dubbo protocol uses Hessian for serialization and deserialization by default. In the case of not affecting the business, it is recommended to replace the protocol and deserialization method. For specific methods, please refer to the official documentation: http://dubbo.apache.org/zh-cn/docs/user/references/xml/dubbo-protocol.html
Statement
This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.
About NSFOCUS
NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks. The company’s Intelligent Hybrid Security strategy utilizes both cloud and on-premises security platforms, built on a foundation of real-time global threat intelligence, to provide multi-layered, unified and dynamic protection against advanced cyber attacks.
NSFOCUS works with Fortune Global 500 companies, including four of the world’s five largest financial institutions, organizations in insurance, retail, healthcare, critical infrastructure industries as well as government agencies. NSFOCUS has technology and channel partners in more than 60 countries, is a member of both the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). A wholly owned subsidiary of NSFOCUS Technologies Group Co., Ltd., the company has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
