CVE-2017-15692

Vulnerability

In Apache Geode versions before v1.4.0, the TcpServer component within the Geode locator opens a network port that performs Java deserialization on incoming data [1]. The deserialization occurs without any filtering of permissible classes, making the locator susceptible to a gadget-chain attack if arbitrary classes are present on the classpath [1][2].

Exploitation

An attacker who can reach the Geode locator's network port (typically a TCP port used for internal cluster communication) can send a maliciously crafted serialized Java object. No authentication or special privileges are required beyond network access to the locator [1]. The attacker must craft a payload that, when deserialized, triggers a chain of method invocations from classes already available on the Geode server's classpath [1].

Impact

Successful exploitation leads to remote code execution (RCE) in the context of the Geode locator process. The attacker can execute arbitrary operating system commands or manipulate the Geode cluster, potentially compromising the entire Apache Geode deployment [1]. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all at risk.

Mitigation

The issue has been resolved in Apache Geode v1.4.0 [2]. The fix introduces two new properties—serializable-object-filter and validate-serializable-objects—that allow operators to whitelist or blacklist classes for deserialization [2][3]. Users should upgrade to v1.4.0 or later and configure these properties to restrict deserialization to known safe classes [3]. No known workaround exists for versions prior to the fix.