OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation provides OpenTelemetry auto-instrumentation and instrumentation libraries for Java. In versions prior to 2.27.0, the RMI context propagation payload reader limits the number of context entries but does not limit the aggregate size of the strings read from the stream. An attacker who can reach an RMI endpoint on an instrumented JVM can send an oversized context propagation payload. This can cause excessive memory allocation while the JVM reads the payload, potentially leading to denial of service. The issue affects only deployments where RMI instrumentation is enabled and an RMI endpoint is network-reachable. This issue has been fixed in version 2.27.0.
Weakness
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
Affected Software
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opentelemetry_instrumentation_for_java | Linuxfoundation | 2.26.1 (including) | 2.27.0 (excluding) |
Potential Mitigations
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.
Related Attack Patterns
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/147.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/227.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/492.html