Grails Framework Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

Fortify Security Team
Jul 29, 2022

A vulnerability have been discovered in the Grails Framework which could allow for remote code execution. Grails is backend Apache Groovy framework. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability, could allow a user to execute code in the context of the Grails application.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE:

There are currently no reports of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

  • Grails framework versions
    • >= 3.3.10 & < 3.3.15
    • >= 4.0.0 & < 4.1.1
    • >= 5.0.0 & < 5.1.9
    • 5.2.0

– Running on Java 8
– Using embedded Tomcat runtime, as well as those deployed to a Servlet Container

RISK:

Government:

  • Large and medium government entities: High
  • Small government entities: High

Businesses:

  • Large and medium business entities: High
  • Small business entities: High

Home users: Low

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:

A vulnerability have been discovered in the Grails Framework (CVE-2022-35912) which could allow for remote code execution. Details of this vulnerability are as follows:

Tactic: Execution (TA00041):
     Technique: Native Code (T1575):

  • CVE-2022-35912 – A vulnerability in a section of the Grails data-binding logic which enables an attack to issue a specially crafted web request to execute code of their own choosing.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability, could allow a user to execute code in the context of the Grails application.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We recommend the following actions be taken:

  • Apply appropriate patches provided by the Grails team to vulnerable systems, immediately after appropriate testing. (M1051: Update Software)
    • Safeguard 7.1: Establish and Maintain a Vulnerability Management Process: Establish and maintain a documented vulnerability management process for enterprise assets. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
    • Safeguard 7.4: Perform Automated Application Patch Management: Perform application updates on enterprise assets through automated patch management on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
    • Safeguard 7.5: Perform Automated Vulnerability Scans of Internal Enterprise Assets: Perform automated vulnerability scans of internal enterprise assets on a quarterly, or more frequent, basis. Conduct both authenticated and unauthenticated scans, using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability scanning tool.
  • Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources. Inform and educate users regarding threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments, especially from un-trusted sources. (M1017: User Training)
    • Safeguard 14.1: Establish and Maintain a Security Awareness Program: Establish and maintain a security awareness program. The purpose of a security awareness program is to educate the enterprise’s workforce on how to interact with enterprise assets and data in a secure manner. Conduct training at hire and, at a minimum, annually. Review and update content annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
    • Safeguard 14.2: Train Workforce Members to Recognize Social Engineering Attacks: Train workforce members to recognize social engineering attacks, such as phishing, pre-texting, and tailgating.
  • Use capabilities to detect and block conditions that may lead to or be indicative of a software exploit occurring. (M1050: Exploit Protection)

Safeguard 10.5: Enable anti-exploitation features on enterprise assets and software, where possible, such as Apple® System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Gatekeeper™.

REFERENCES:

Grails: https://grails.org/blog/2022-07-18-rce-vulnerability.html

CVE: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-35912

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