CVE-2025-53192
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Apache Commons OGNL allows attackers to bypass security restrictions and potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting incomplete blocklists in the Ognl.getValue API. All versions of Apache Commons OGNL are affected, but the project is retired and won't receive patches. Applications using this library for expression evaluation are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache Commons OGNL
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with full system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, exfiltrate data, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Arbitrary code execution within the application context, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or lateral movement.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper input validation and sandboxing are implemented, though risk remains due to bypass potential.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of OGNL expression syntax and bypass techniques, but no public proof-of-concept exists yet.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: None - project retired
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/2gj8tjl6vz949nnp3yxz3okm9xz2k7sp
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. The project is retired and won't receive security updates.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation and Sanitization
allImplement strict input validation to reject any OGNL expressions containing dangerous patterns or unexpected characters.
Sandbox Environment
allRun OGNL evaluation in a restricted sandbox environment with minimal privileges and no access to dangerous classes.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace Apache Commons OGNL with alternative expression evaluation libraries that are actively maintained and have proper security controls.
- Implement network segmentation and strict access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to trusted users only.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check application dependencies for Apache Commons OGNL library. If present and Ognl.getValue is used with untrusted input, the application is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check build files (pom.xml, build.gradle) or runtime classpath for 'ognl' library references.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify that Apache Commons OGNL has been removed from dependencies or replaced with a secure alternative.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual OGNL expression patterns in application logs
- Unexpected class loading or method invocations
- Security manager violations related to OGNL
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from application servers
- Unexpected process spawning
SIEM Query:
Search for OGNL-related error messages or security exceptions in application logs, combined with suspicious network activity.