External risk intelligence

Liferay Portal Code Execution via Web Services.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-7961

Liferay Portal's JSON web services are susceptible to a flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This could lead to unauthorized system access and disruption of operations. Affected organizations should prioritize mitigation actions.

4Halo Surface Signal

Deserialization

Liferay Portal

before 7.2.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-7961

Liferay Portal is a widely deployed enterprise web application platform that is commonly exposed to the internet to serve as public-facing web portals, content management systems, and web service endpoints.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Liferay Portal's JSON web services are susceptible to a flaw that allows untrusted data to be processed. This vulnerability could permit attackers to execute code remotely, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and modification. The core issue stems from how the portal handles data deserialization, creating an opening for malicious input. This could disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information.

  • Vulnerable Liferay Portal component
  • Untrusted data processing flaw
  • Remote code execution risk

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Liferay Portal versions prior to 7.2.1 CE GA2 are susceptible to an attack involving the deserialization of untrusted data through JSON web services. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. The attack vector exploits the handling of JSON data, enabling an attacker to gain control over affected systems.

  • Exposure condition: Network access to JSON web services.
  • Attacker starting point: Unauthenticated access.
  • Trigger and result: Send malicious JSON data, execute arbitrary code.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within affected systems. The risk is amplified by the potential for widespread impact across organizations utilizing the affected product. Organizations should consider this a high-priority issue requiring immediate attention.

  • Attackers with low skill.
  • No access or conditions required.
  • High business risk, urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by sending specially crafted requests to the JSON web services endpoint. Organizations should prioritize actions to identify and mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.

  • Find exposed Liferay Portal assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related security issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is Liferay Portal and its primary use?

Liferay Portal is an enterprise web application platform primarily used for building and managing public-facing websites, content management systems, and web service endpoints. It enables organizations to deliver and manage digital experiences effectively.

What type of weakness does CVE-2020-7961 represent?

CVE-2020-7961 represents a Deserialization of Untrusted Data weakness (CWE-502). This occurs when software improperly handles data it receives, allowing an attacker to potentially execute their own code by sending specially crafted input, leading to remote code execution.

How can an attacker exploit the CVE-2020-7961 vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious JSON requests to Liferay Portal's JSON web services (JSONWS) endpoints. These requests contain crafted serialized Java objects designed to trigger arbitrary code execution upon deserialization by the server.

What is the relevance of CVE-2020-7961 to Liferay Portal's security posture?

CVE-2020-7961 is highly relevant as it allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Liferay Portal instances. This critical vulnerability, listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, can lead to full system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.

What actions should be taken to address CVE-2020-7961?

Organizations should immediately update Liferay Portal to a version that addresses this vulnerability, such as 7.2.1 CE GA2 or later. If immediate patching is not feasible, disabling or restricting access to JSONWS endpoints is recommended. Monitoring logs for suspicious activity and implementing network segmentation can further mitigate risks.

References