Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
GeoServer, a platform for sharing and editing geospatial data, has a vulnerability that allows for remote code execution. This flaw is present in versions prior to specific updates and affects all GeoServer instances. The issue arises from how GeoServer processes certain input parameters, which can be exploited by specially crafted requests. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized execution of code on the affected systems.
- GeoServer and GeoTools components
- Unsafe evaluation of input as code
- Remote code execution on systems
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on GeoServer instances. The attack exploits a flaw in how GeoServer's underlying GeoTools library processes specific OGC request parameters. By sending specially crafted input, an attacker can trigger the unsafe evaluation of property names as XPath expressions, leading to remote code execution. This impacts organizations using GeoServer for geospatial data sharing and editing.
- Unauthenticated network access to GeoServer.
- Specially crafted OGC requests trigger XPath evaluation.
- Attacker achieves remote code execution.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
This vulnerability in GeoServer allows for remote code execution by unauthenticated users. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted input through various GeoServer requests. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution on the affected server, posing a significant business risk. Organizations should treat this vulnerability with a high degree of urgency.
- Likely attacker skill level: Low
- Required access or conditions: Network access
- Business risk or urgency: High
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability in GeoServer could allow unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code by sending specially crafted input to the server. This could lead to a compromise of affected systems and potential business risk. The identified vulnerability affects all GeoServer installations due to how it processes OGC request parameters.
- Identify GeoServer assets.
- Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
- Apply vendor fix, verify, monitor.
