CVE-2021-21783
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution in Genivia gSOAP's WS-Addressing plugin. Attackers can exploit it by sending a specially crafted SOAP request over HTTP, potentially gaining full control of affected systems. Organizations using gSOAP 2.8.107 for web services are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Genivia gSOAP
📦 What is this software?
Communications Diameter Signaling Router by Oracle
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Communications Eagle Application Processor by Oracle
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Gsoap by Genivia
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation, web application firewalls, and least privilege principles are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending a malicious SOAP request, which is relatively straightforward given the public details.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.8.108 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.genivia.com/advisory.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest gSOAP version from Genivia website. 2. Replace vulnerable gSOAP libraries. 3. Recompile affected applications. 4. Restart services using gSOAP.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WS-Addressing Plugin
allIf WS-Addressing functionality is not required, disable the plugin to remove the attack surface.
Recompile gSOAP with WS-Addressing disabled (consult gSOAP documentation for specific flags)
Network Filtering
allBlock or filter SOAP requests containing WS-Addressing headers at network perimeter.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate gSOAP services from critical assets.
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to block malicious SOAP payloads.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check gSOAP version: if using 2.8.107 and WS-Addressing plugin is enabled, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
grep 'gSOAP' in application logs or check linked library versions (platform dependent)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify gSOAP version is 2.8.108 or later and test SOAP service functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SOAP request patterns
- HTTP requests with malformed WS-Addressing headers
- Process execution from web service context
Network Indicators:
- SOAP requests with crafted WS-Addressing elements
- Unexpected outbound connections from gSOAP services
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="*soap*" OR method="POST") AND size>10000🔗 References
- https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2021-1245
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujan2022.html
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuoct2021.html
- https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2021-1245
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujan2022.html
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuoct2021.html
