CVE-2024-38821: Critical Authorization Bypass Vulnerability in Spring WebFlux Applications

Overview of CVE-2024-38821

CVE-2024-38821 is a critical authorization bypass vulnerability identified in certain versions of Spring WebFlux applications using Spring Security. This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to static resources, bypassing defined authorization rules, under specific conditions. For this vulnerability to pose a risk, the application must:

1. Be a WebFlux application,
2. Use Spring’s static resource support, and
3. Apply non-permitAll authorization rules to static resources.

Due to the severity of this vulnerability, applications relying on these specific configurations in Spring WebFlux may face serious security risks, as unauthorized users could gain access to restricted resources.

Affected Versions

This vulnerability impacts the following Spring Security versions:

• 5.7.0 - 5.7.12
• 5.8.0 - 5.8.14
• 6.0.0 - 6.0.12
• 6.1.0 - 6.1.10
• 6.2.0 - 6.2.6
• 6.3.0 - 6.3.3

Additionally, older, unsupported versions of Spring Security are also affected. Organizations still relying on these versions are at risk, as older versions no longer receive official updates or patches.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-2024-38821 affects the authorization checks applied to static resources within WebFlux applications. Under the specified conditions, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authorization rules intended to restrict access to these resources. This can expose sensitive content and functionality, increasing the application’s risk profile.

For more technical insights, visit our Vulnerability Directory entry for CVE-2024-38821.

Mitigation

For applications impacted by CVE-2024-38821, mitigation options include:

• Upgrading to a newer version of Spring Security: Moving to a version with the necessary security enhancements and patches helps secure WebFlux applications.
• Using HeroDevs’ Spring NES: For those who cannot migrate, adopt NES for Spring from HeroDevs, which provides ongoing security patches (including for CVE-2024-38821) and comprehensive support for end-of-life Spring Framework versions.

Why Upgrade with HeroDevs?

With critical vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-38821 affecting older, unsupported Spring Security versions, HeroDevs’ Spring NES offers a proactive solution to secure your legacy Spring applications. Our NES product line provides essential security patches, ensuring that your applications remain secure and compliant without the need for disruptive updates or migration. With HeroDevs, you can confidently continue using your Spring applications while safeguarding against emerging threats.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-38821 underscores the importance of maintaining security in Spring WebFlux applications, especially for versions that are no longer supported. HeroDevs’ Spring NES provides the patching and support needed to mitigate critical vulnerabilities like this one, keeping legacy systems secure and compliant. 

For comprehensive protection, explore HeroDevs’ Spring NES and maintain control over your application security.