A vulnerability in the JsonMapObjectReaderWriter of Apache CXF allows an attacker to submit malformed JSON to a web service, which results in the thread getting stuck in an infinite loop, consuming CPU indefinitely. This issue affects Apache CXF versions prior to 3.4.4; Apache CXF versions prior to 3.3.11.
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cxf | Apache | * | 3.3.11 (excluding) |
| Cxf | Apache | 3.4.0 (including) | 3.4.4 (excluding) |
| Tomee | Apache | 8.0.6 (including) | 8.0.6 (including) |
| JWS 5.7.0 | RedHat | cxf-rt-rs-json-basic | * |
| Red Hat Fuse 7.10 | RedHat | cxf-rt-rs-json-basic | * |
| Red Hat Integration | RedHat | cxf-rt-rs-json-basic | * |
Mitigation of resource exhaustion attacks requires that the target system either:
The first of these solutions is an issue in itself though, since it may allow attackers to prevent the use of the system by a particular valid user. If the attacker impersonates the valid user, they may be able to prevent the user from accessing the server in question.
The second solution is simply difficult to effectively institute – and even when properly done, it does not provide a full solution. It simply makes the attack require more resources on the part of the attacker.