CVE-2024-28752 Overview
A Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability exists in Apache CXF when using the Aegis DataBinding component. This vulnerability allows attackers to perform SSRF-style attacks against web services that accept at least one parameter of any type. The flaw exists in Apache CXF versions before 4.0.4, 3.6.3, and 3.5.8, and specifically impacts applications using the Aegis DataBinding configuration. Users of other data bindings, including the default databinding, are not affected by this vulnerability.
Critical Impact
Attackers can exploit this SSRF vulnerability to make the server perform unauthorized requests to internal or external resources, potentially accessing sensitive internal services, exfiltrating data, or pivoting to attack other systems within the network.
Affected Products
- Apache CXF (versions before 4.0.4, 3.6.3, and 3.5.8)
- NetApp OnCommand Workflow Automation
- NetApp ONTAP Tools 10 for VMware vSphere
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-03-15 - CVE-2024-28752 published to NVD
- 2025-06-27 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-28752
Vulnerability Analysis
This SSRF vulnerability (CWE-918) exists within the Aegis DataBinding component of Apache CXF, an open-source services framework. The vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate web service requests to make the server perform unintended HTTP requests to arbitrary destinations.
The Aegis DataBinding is an alternative XML data binding framework within Apache CXF that provides flexible type mapping capabilities. When a web service configured with Aegis DataBinding processes incoming requests containing specially crafted parameter values, the server can be tricked into initiating requests to attacker-specified URLs.
The attack requires user interaction, as the vulnerability is typically exploited through a malicious request to a vulnerable web service endpoint. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to internal network resources, data exfiltration from internal services, and potential bypass of firewall and access control restrictions.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient validation of user-supplied input within the Aegis DataBinding implementation. When processing web service parameters, the Aegis DataBinding fails to properly sanitize or restrict URL references, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary URLs that the server will subsequently fetch. This lack of input validation enables SSRF attacks where the server acts as a proxy for the attacker's malicious requests.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and can be executed remotely against exposed web services using the Aegis DataBinding. An attacker can craft malicious SOAP or REST requests containing specially formatted parameter values that include URLs pointing to internal resources or external attacker-controlled servers. When the vulnerable Apache CXF service processes these requests, it initiates HTTP connections to the specified URLs.
This attack pattern enables several exploitation scenarios:
- Port scanning of internal networks through the vulnerable server
- Accessing metadata services in cloud environments (e.g., AWS IMDSv1)
- Reading sensitive files via file:// protocol handlers if supported
- Attacking internal services that are not directly accessible from the internet
The vulnerability does not require authentication but does require user interaction (such as processing an attacker's crafted request). The impact extends beyond the vulnerable component, affecting the confidentiality and integrity of other systems accessible from the compromised server.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-28752
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual outbound HTTP/HTTPS connections originating from Apache CXF application servers to internal IP ranges or metadata endpoints
- Web service logs showing requests with URL-like parameter values pointing to internal resources (e.g., http://169.254.169.254/, http://localhost/, internal hostnames)
- Network traffic from application servers to unexpected internal services or ports
- Access logs showing requests from internal servers to services they don't normally communicate with
Detection Strategies
- Monitor network traffic from Apache CXF servers for connections to internal IP ranges, localhost, or cloud metadata services
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SSRF patterns in incoming requests
- Review Apache CXF access logs for suspicious parameter values containing URL schemes (http://, https://, file://)
- Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify unusual server-initiated connections to sensitive internal endpoints
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed logging for Apache CXF web services to capture full request parameters
- Configure network monitoring to alert on outbound connections from web service servers to internal infrastructure
- Implement egress filtering and monitor for violations or blocked connection attempts
- Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive internal services from web application hosts
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-28752
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache CXF to version 4.0.4, 3.6.3, or 3.5.8 (depending on your current major version) immediately
- Audit your Apache CXF deployments to identify any services using the Aegis DataBinding
- Review network architecture to ensure proper segmentation between web services and sensitive internal resources
- Implement input validation on web service endpoints to reject URL-like parameter values where not expected
Patch Information
Apache has released patched versions that address this SSRF vulnerability. Organizations should upgrade to the following minimum versions based on their deployment:
- For Apache CXF 4.x: Upgrade to version 4.0.4 or later
- For Apache CXF 3.6.x: Upgrade to version 3.6.3 or later
- For Apache CXF 3.5.x: Upgrade to version 3.5.8 or later
Refer to the Apache CXF Security Advisory for official patch details. NetApp users should consult the NetApp Security Advisory NTAP-20240517-0001 for guidance on affected NetApp products.
Workarounds
- Switch from Aegis DataBinding to the default databinding if your application architecture permits, as the default databinding is not affected
- Implement network-level controls to restrict outbound connections from Apache CXF servers to only necessary destinations
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with SSRF detection rules in front of vulnerable services
- Use network segmentation to limit the blast radius if SSRF exploitation occurs, preventing access to sensitive internal services
# Example: Verify Apache CXF version in Maven project
grep -r "cxf-core" pom.xml
# Ensure version is at least 4.0.4, 3.6.3, or 3.5.8
# Check for Aegis DataBinding usage in your project
grep -r "AegisDatabinding" --include="*.java" .
grep -r "aegis" --include="*.xml" .
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
