External risk intelligence

Jackson-databind Deserialization Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2017-7525

Jackson-databind is a widely used Java library for processing JSON data. Because it is frequently integrated into web applications, APIs, and microservices that accept and process external JSON input, this vulnerability is commonly reachable in internet-facing deployments where such services are exposed.

Deserialization

Fasterxml Jackson Databind

before 2.6.7.12.7.0 to before 2.7.9.12.8.0 to before 2.8.92.9.08.09.04.14.06.0.06.4.07.07.13.112.5.02.6.02.6.12.6.27.512.012.0 to 12.5.2before 8.310.0.11...

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A deserialization vulnerability has been identified in the jackson-databind library, which is used for processing data in many applications. This flaw could potentially allow unauthorized access and execution of code if malicious input is provided to the affected systems. The primary concern is to confirm if this technology is in use and assess any potential exposure.

Flaw allows code execution through crafted data.
Widely used library makes it a common target.
Confirm relevance and potential exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted input to an application that uses an affected version of the jackson-databind library. This input would be processed by the `ObjectMapper`'s `readValue` method, triggering a deserialization flaw. Successful exploitation could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system.

Unauthenticated network access required.
Triggered by sending crafted input to `readValue`.
Allows unauthenticated code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A deserialization flaw in jackson-databind could allow an unauthenticated user to execute code by sending specially crafted input. This could affect services that process JSON input, potentially leading to system compromise.

System data and service behavior.
Maliciously crafted input to `readValue`.
Remote code execution may occur.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Teams responsible for Java applications, web services, and APIs that process JSON input should take action. The first practical step is to identify all instances of the affected `jackson-databind` library across your environment, confirm their reachability and business criticality, and then prioritize remediation efforts based on risk.

Java application and API owners should address this.
Verify all `jackson-databind` library usages.
Plan updates during scheduled maintenance windows.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Free EASM Trial See How Signal Works

Frequently asked questions

What is jackson-databind and why do applications use it?

jackson-databind is a popular Java library used to transform data between JSON format and Java objects. Developers rely on it to easily parse and generate JSON within web applications, APIs, and enterprise software. Because it is so efficient at handling data structures, it is widely embedded across many different vendor products, including those from Oracle, Red Hat, NetApp, and others.

What is the vulnerability in CVE-2017-7525?

The core issue is a deserialization flaw, categorized as CWE-502. In plain English, the software takes data from an untrusted source and attempts to turn it back into a complex object without sufficient validation. This process allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to manipulate the input to trick the application into executing arbitrary code, potentially granting unauthorized control over the system.

How does an attacker trigger this CVE-2017-7525 bug?

An attacker triggers the flaw by sending a specifically crafted, malicious JSON payload to an application's endpoint that uses the library's readValue method. The vulnerability does not trigger if the application does not accept external or untrusted JSON input, or if the library is not used to process such incoming data.

Why should I care about this if my service is internal?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this vulnerability is considered a high priority because the affected library is often integrated into internet-facing web applications and APIs that process external data. While internal services are at lower immediate risk than those directly exposed to the internet, any service that processes untrusted JSON input—regardless of its network position—could remain a potential path for exploitation.

What is the first step to address this in my environment?

Your priority is to inventory your systems to locate all applications using the affected versions of jackson-databind. Once identified, evaluate whether those applications accept incoming JSON data. If they do, plan to update the library to a secure version as indicated in the advisory, as this is the primary way to remove the vulnerability.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.