CVE-2024-23683
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2024-23683 is a sandbox escape vulnerability in Artemis Java Test Sandbox (part of the Ares framework) that allows attackers to execute arbitrary Java code by crafting a malicious subclass of InvocationTargetException. This affects any system running vulnerable versions of Artemis Java Test Sandbox where untrusted code is executed in the sandbox environment. The vulnerability enables full bypass of the intended security boundaries.
💻 Affected Systems
- Artemis Java Test Sandbox
- Ares framework
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with arbitrary code execution as the sandbox process user, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Arbitrary code execution within the sandbox environment, allowing attackers to access sensitive data processed by the sandbox or perform unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if sandbox runs with minimal privileges and network restrictions, though code execution capability remains.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit details are publicly available in the GitHub advisory and commit. Attack requires ability to submit code to the sandbox.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.7.6
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/security/advisories/GHSA-883x-6fch-6wjx
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Ares/Artemis Java Test Sandbox to version 1.7.6 or later. 2. Update dependencies in your project to use the patched version. 3. Restart any services using the sandbox. 4. Verify the fix by checking the version and testing sandbox functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Java Test Sandbox
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable sandbox feature if not essential
Restrict Code Submission
allLimit sandbox usage to trusted users only and implement strict input validation
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate sandbox environment with strict network controls and minimal privileges
- Implement monitoring for unusual sandbox activity and code execution patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if your application uses Artemis Java Test Sandbox version < 1.7.6. Review dependency files (pom.xml, build.gradle) for Ares/Artemis references.Check Version:
Check project dependencies or run: java -cp [your-jar] org.springframework.boot.loader.JarLauncher --version (if Spring Boot) or check Maven/Gradle dependency versions.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm version 1.7.6 or later is installed. Test sandbox functionality with safe test cases to ensure it still works properly.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Java exception patterns in sandbox logs
- Unexpected InvocationTargetException subclasses
- Sandbox process spawning unexpected child processes
Network Indicators:
- Sandbox process making unexpected network connections
- Unusual outbound traffic from sandbox environment
SIEM Query:
Process creation from sandbox Java process OR Java exceptions containing 'InvocationTargetException' in sandbox logs🔗 References
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-883x-6fch-6wjx
- https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/commit/af4f28a56e2fe600d8750b3b415352a0a3217392
- https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/issues/15#issuecomment-996449371
- https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/releases/tag/1.7.6
- https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/security/advisories/GHSA-883x-6fch-6wjx
- https://vulncheck.com/advisories/vc-advisory-GHSA-883x-6fch-6wjx
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-883x-6fch-6wjx
- https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/commit/af4f28a56e2fe600d8750b3b415352a0a3217392
- https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/issues/15#issuecomment-996449371
- https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/releases/tag/1.7.6
- https://github.com/ls1intum/Ares/security/advisories/GHSA-883x-6fch-6wjx
- https://vulncheck.com/advisories/vc-advisory-GHSA-883x-6fch-6wjx
