CVE-2021-37608 – This vulnerability allows attackers to upload m... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2021-37608?

CVE-2021-37608 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious files to Apache OFBiz servers, which can lead to remote code execution. It affects Apache OFBiz versions 17.12.07 and earlier. Attackers can exploit this to take control of affected systems.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious files to Apache OFBiz servers, which can lead to remote code execution. It affects Apache OFBiz versions 17.12.07 and earlier. Attackers can exploit this to take control of affected systems.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Apache OFBiz

Versions: 17.12.07 and prior versions

Operating Systems: All platforms running Apache OFBiz

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All deployments of affected versions are vulnerable regardless of configuration.

📦 What is this software?

Ofbiz by Apache

View all CVEs affecting Ofbiz →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control over the server, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or use as a foothold for lateral movement.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, install backdoors, or deploy malware on the server.

🟢

If Mitigated

File uploads are properly validated and restricted, preventing malicious file execution while maintaining legitimate functionality.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

The vulnerability is well-documented with public proof-of-concept available, making exploitation straightforward for attackers.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 17.12.08 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/OFBIZ-12297

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Download Apache OFBiz version 17.12.08 or later from the official Apache website. 2. Backup your current installation and data. 3. Replace the vulnerable files with patched versions. 4. Restart the OFBiz service. 5. Verify the fix by checking the version and testing file upload functionality.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

File Upload Restriction

all

Implement strict file type validation and upload restrictions at the web application firewall or application level.

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate OFBiz servers from critical systems and restrict outbound connections.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict file upload validation to only allow specific, safe file types
Deploy a web application firewall with file upload protection rules

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check the OFBiz version by examining the application files or using version detection tools. Versions 17.12.07 and earlier are vulnerable.

Check Version:

Check the OFBiz installation directory for version files or use: grep -r 'version' /path/to/ofbiz/ | grep -i '17.12'

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify the version is 17.12.08 or later and test file upload functionality with various file types to ensure proper validation.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual file uploads, especially with executable extensions
Multiple failed upload attempts followed by successful suspicious upload
System commands executed from web application context

Network Indicators:

Unexpected outbound connections from OFBiz server
File uploads to unusual paths or with suspicious content types

SIEM Query:

source="ofbiz" AND (event="file_upload" AND file_extension IN ("jsp", "war", "jar", "exe", "php")) OR (process="cmd.exe" OR process="/bin/sh" AND parent_process="java")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2021-37608

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-434

Published: August 18, 2021

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

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