CVE-2018-14667: Red Hat JBoss RichFaces Framework Expression Language Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2018-14667 is an expression language injection vulnerability in the Red Hat JBoss RichFaces Framework. It allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute malicious code by abusing the UserResource resource through a chain of Java serialized objects via org.ajax4jsf.resource.UserResource$UriData. This matters because RichFaces is commonly embedded in Java-based web applications; successful exploitation can give an attacker full control of the affected process without credentials, putting application data and connected systems at risk.

Defenders should treat this as a high-priority issue for any environment still running the framework. Confirm exact impact and fixed releases against the vendor advisory, as public detail beyond the CISA summary is limited.

How it works

The underlying weakness is CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection'). In this case the framework improperly handles expression language evaluation inside the UserResource component. An attacker can supply crafted input that the framework interprets as executable expressions rather than data.

According to the CISA summary, exploitation involves a chain of Java serialized objects delivered through org.ajax4jsf.resource.UserResource$UriData. Because the attack requires no authentication and can be performed remotely, any internet-facing or internally reachable instance that still exposes the vulnerable resource is a potential target. Specific payload construction and request formats are not detailed here; teams must refer to the vendor advisory for technical confirmation rather than relying on unvalidated public reports.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

Red Hat JBoss RichFaces is typically found inside Java EE or servlet-container applications that use the framework for AJAX and rich UI components. It may be present as a library dependency rather than a standalone product.

• Inventory all Java web applications and application servers (especially those historically based on JBoss or WildFly) for the presence of RichFaces JARs or related packages such as ajax4jsf.
• Search build manifests, dependency trees (Maven, Gradle, etc.), and deployed WAR/EAR contents for RichFaces artifacts. Confirm the exact version against the vendor advisory; do not assume any particular release is safe without verification.
• Review network exposure: any host that serves RichFaces resources, particularly endpoints involving UserResource, should be treated as in-scope until proven otherwise.
• Examine access logs and application logs for anomalous requests targeting UserResource or containing unexpected serialized data patterns. Look for spikes in 500-level errors or unusual expression-language evaluation failures that coincide with external traffic.
• If you use software composition analysis or vulnerability scanners, ensure they are configured to detect RichFaces libraries and flag this CVE; re-scan after any inventory updates.

How to remediate

The primary remediation is to apply the vendor-supplied update that addresses CVE-2018-14667. Follow the instructions in the official Red Hat or RichFaces advisory exactly; do not rely on third-party version lists.

• Identify every instance of the framework, apply the patched release, and restart the affected application servers in a controlled manner.
• After patching, re-verify that the vulnerable UserResource behavior is no longer present by testing with non-destructive probes recommended by the vendor.
• If the product is no longer supported or no patch exists for your version, discontinue use of the framework as directed by CISA and migrate to a maintained alternative.
• As a general hardening step for this class of injection flaws, ensure that expression-language evaluation is restricted to trusted contexts only, and that deserialization of untrusted data is disabled or tightly controlled wherever possible.

If you can't patch immediately

Until the vendor update can be applied, reduce the attack surface with compensating controls.

• Segment affected hosts so that only necessary internal systems can reach the application; block external access to any RichFaces-related endpoints at the network or reverse-proxy layer.
• Deploy virtual patching or WAF rules that detect and block requests containing suspicious serialized object streams or expression-language payloads aimed at UserResource. Tune rules carefully to avoid false positives on legitimate traffic.
• If the application architecture allows, disable or remove the UserResource component and any unused AJAX resource handlers.
• Increase monitoring: alert on anomalous request patterns, unexpected process spawning, or outbound connections originating from the application server. Retain detailed access and application logs for forensic review.
• Limit the privileges of the application process so that successful code execution yields minimal further access.

If your data may have been exposed

Actively exploited remote-code-execution vulnerabilities frequently lead to data theft or further compromise. If you discover evidence of exploitation or cannot rule it out, treat the incident as a potential breach: isolate the host, preserve logs, and begin forensic analysis. As a quick external check, you can run a free exposure scan of your email addresses against known breach data sets to see whether credentials or personal information have already appeared in public dumps.