Pivotal Software Spring Framework Spring Security Method Authorization Bypass Vulnerability [CVE-2018-1258]

A vulnerability in the Spring Framework used in combination with Spring Security could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authorization restrictions and gain unauthorized access to certain methods on a targeted system.

The vulnerability is due to improper security restrictions by the affected software when using Spring Security method security. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by making a malicious request to the targeted system. An exploit could allow the attacker to bypass authorization restrictions, which could be used to gain unauthorized access to certain methods that should be restricted on the system.

Pivotal Software has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

CVE Number – CVE-2018-1258

• To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must send a malicious request to the targeted system, making exploitation more difficult in environments that restrict network access to untrusted sources.

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.

  Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.

  Administrators are advised to run both firewall and antivirus applications to minimize the potential of inbound and outbound threats.

  Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.

  Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.

  Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.

• Pivotal Software has released a vulnerability report at the following link: CVE-2018-1258

• Pivotal Software has released software updates at the following links: Spring Framework 5.0.6 and Spring Security 5.0.5

Duncan

Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.