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Use of software with known vulnerabilities

Need​

Updating software and dependencies to versions without known vulnerabilities

Context​

  • Usage of Java 8 for developing applications with enhanced features and performance
  • Usage of javax.servlet-api for developing Java web applications with Servlets

Description​

Non compliant code​

import javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletRequest;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletResponse;

public class VulnerableServlet extends HttpServlet {
    protected void doGet(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) {
        //... your code here
    }
}

The above code represents a basic servlet using the javax.servlet package. This package is a part of Java EE libraries which are used to create web applications.

The vulnerability here is not present in the code itself but in the version of the javax.servlet library being used. If the version being used has known vulnerabilities, it can expose the application to various security risks.

An attacker could potentially exploit these vulnerabilities to perform actions such as data leakage, denial of service, or even remote code execution depending on the severity and nature of the vulnerability in the library.

To mitigate this vulnerability, it's recommended to always use the latest version of the libraries and dependencies in your project. Regularly updating your project's dependencies can help protect your application from known vulnerabilities that have been fixed in later versions of the libraries.

Steps​

  • Identify the software or dependency with known vulnerabilities
  • Update the software or dependency to the latest version that does not have the known vulnerabilities
  • Ensure that the updated software or dependency is compatible with the current system
  • Test the system thoroughly after the update to ensure it functions correctly

Compliant code​

import javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletRequest;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletResponse;

public class SecureServlet extends HttpServlet {
    protected void doGet(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) {
        //... your code here
    }
}

The original code was using a version of a software or dependency with known vulnerabilities. This can expose the system to potential security risks, as attackers can exploit these known vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or disrupt the system's operations.

To fix this vulnerability, the software or dependency has been updated to the latest version that does not have the known vulnerabilities. This is done by changing the import statements at the beginning of the code to import the updated version of the software or dependency.

After updating the software or dependency, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with the current system. This can be done by running the system and checking if it functions correctly. If there are any issues, they should be resolved before the system is put into production.

Finally, the system should be thoroughly tested after the update to ensure it functions correctly. This can be done by running a series of tests that cover all the system's functionalities. If the tests pass, it indicates that the system is functioning correctly with the updated software or dependency.

By following these steps, the vulnerability associated with using software or dependencies with known vulnerabilities can be effectively mitigated.

References​

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