CVE-2024-22369: Apache Camel Deserialization Vulnerability

CVE-2024-22369 Overview

CVE-2024-22369 is an Insecure Deserialization vulnerability in the Apache Camel SQL Component that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting unsafe deserialization of untrusted data. Apache Camel is a widely-used open-source integration framework that provides routing and mediation rules for enterprise applications. The SQL Component within Camel is used to interact with databases through SQL queries, and the vulnerability exists in how it processes serialized data.

This vulnerability affects multiple version branches of Apache Camel, including versions 3.0.0 through 3.21.3, 3.22.0, 4.0.0 through 4.0.3, and 4.1.0 through 4.3.x. Organizations running affected versions are at risk of code execution attacks if an attacker can supply malicious serialized data to the SQL Component.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation of this insecure deserialization vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the application, potentially resulting in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network.

Affected Products

• Apache Camel versions 3.0.0 to 3.21.3
• Apache Camel version 3.22.0
• Apache Camel versions 4.0.0 to 4.0.3
• Apache Camel versions 4.1.0 to 4.3.x

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-02-20 - CVE-2024-22369 published to NVD
• 2025-04-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-22369

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from improper handling of serialized Java objects within the Apache Camel SQL Component. When the component processes data from SQL query results or other inputs, it may deserialize objects without proper validation or filtering of the incoming data stream. This creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious serialized payloads that, when deserialized, execute arbitrary code.

Deserialization vulnerabilities (CWE-502) are particularly dangerous in Java applications because the Java serialization mechanism allows for complex object graphs to be reconstructed, including objects with custom readObject() methods that can perform arbitrary operations during the deserialization process. Attackers commonly leverage "gadget chains" – sequences of existing classes in the application's classpath that, when combined during deserialization, can achieve code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-22369 is the lack of proper input validation and sanitization when the Apache Camel SQL Component deserializes data. The component fails to implement adequate safeguards such as:

• Allowlist-based class filtering during deserialization
• Type checking before object reconstruction
• Use of safer serialization alternatives (e.g., JSON with strict typing)

This architectural weakness allows attackers to inject malicious serialized objects that leverage classes present in the application's classpath to achieve code execution.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access with user interaction, meaning an attacker would need to convince a user to process malicious input or have access to influence the data being processed by the SQL Component. The attack scenario typically involves:

1. The attacker identifies an application using a vulnerable version of Apache Camel with the SQL Component
2. The attacker crafts a malicious serialized Java object using known gadget chains (e.g., from libraries like Commons Collections, Spring, or other common dependencies)
3. The malicious payload is delivered to the application through a data source that the SQL Component processes
4. When the application deserializes the data, the malicious object executes arbitrary code with the application's privileges

The vulnerability mechanism involves the SQL Component processing serialized data without proper validation. When malicious serialized objects containing gadget chains are processed, the deserialization process triggers the execution chain, resulting in arbitrary code execution. For detailed technical information about the vulnerability, refer to the Apache Mailing List Thread.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-22369

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual outbound network connections from applications running Apache Camel
• Unexpected process spawning or command execution by Java processes
• Abnormal memory consumption patterns in Camel-based applications
• Log entries showing deserialization errors or exceptions with unfamiliar class names

Detection Strategies

• Monitor application logs for deserialization exceptions referencing unexpected or malicious class names
• Deploy runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions to detect and block deserialization attacks
• Use dependency scanning tools to identify vulnerable Apache Camel versions in your environment
• Implement Java agent-based monitoring to detect known gadget chain class instantiation

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for Apache Camel components to capture deserialization activity
• Configure alerting for unusual Java class loading patterns in production environments
• Monitor network traffic from Camel applications for signs of command-and-control communication
• Implement file integrity monitoring on systems running vulnerable applications

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-22369

Immediate Actions Required

• Inventory all applications using Apache Camel and identify instances with vulnerable versions
• Prioritize patching based on exposure and criticality of affected systems
• Implement network segmentation to limit potential impact if exploitation occurs
• Apply the appropriate patched version based on your current version branch

Patch Information

Apache has released patched versions that address this vulnerability. Users are recommended to upgrade to the following versions based on their current branch:

• Version 4.4.0 (recommended) - The latest release that fixes the issue
• Version 4.0.4 - For users on the 4.0.x LTS release stream
• Version 3.22.1 - For users on the 3.22.x branch
• Version 3.21.4 - For users on the 3.x branch

Refer to the Apache Mailing List Thread for the official security advisory and upgrade instructions.

Workarounds

• Implement network-level controls to restrict access to applications using the vulnerable SQL Component
• Use Java security manager policies to restrict deserialization capabilities where possible
• Consider using Java agent-based deserialization protection libraries as a temporary measure
• Audit and restrict the classes available in the application's classpath to reduce gadget chain availability

# Configuration example - Upgrade Apache Camel dependency in Maven pom.xml
# Update the version to a patched release based on your branch:
# For 4.x users (recommended):
# <dependency>
#   <groupId>org.apache.camel</groupId>
#   <artifactId>camel-sql</artifactId>
#   <version>4.4.0</version>
# </dependency>

# For 4.0.x LTS users:
# <version>4.0.4</version>

# For 3.22.x users:
# <version>3.22.1</version>

# For 3.x users:
# <version>3.21.4</version>