CVE-2022-24816
About
JAI-EXT is an open-source project which aims to extend the Java Advanced Imaging (JAI) API. Programs allowing Jiffle script to be provided via network request can lead to a Remote Code Execution as the Jiffle script is compiled into Java code via Janino, and executed. In particular, this affects the downstream GeoServer project. Version 1.2.22 will contain a patch that disables the ability to inject malicious code into the resulting script. Users unable to upgrade may negate the ability to compile Jiffle scripts from the final application, by removing janino-x.y.z.jar from the classpath.
Rainforest analyst review
JAI-EXT extends Java Advanced Imaging, and its Jiffle raster-algebra language compiles user-supplied scripts into Java bytecode using the Janino compiler and then executes them. When an application lets a Jiffle script arrive over the network, an attacker can smuggle arbitrary Java into that generated code, so it is compiled and run in-process. The result is unauthenticated remote code execution with no memory-corruption tricks needed, just a hostile script fed through a feature working as designed. The GeoServer project is the notable downstream consumer that made this reachable in practice.
GeoServer is a widely deployed open-source geospatial server, often internet-facing to publish maps and feature data for governments, utilities, and mapping platforms, which turns this library flaw into a real exposure for anyone running it. The class of bug, evaluating attacker-controlled expressions or scripts server-side, has been a recurring path to compromise across the GeoServer stack. Upgrade JAI-EXT to 1.2.22 or later; if you cannot, remove the janino jar from the classpath to strip the ability to compile Jiffle scripts, and audit any endpoint that accepts rendering transformations or SQL-view parameters.
References
Related CVEs
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2022-24816?
JAI-EXT is an open-source project which aims to extend the Java Advanced Imaging (JAI) API. Programs allowing Jiffle script to be provided via network request can lead to a Remote Code Execution as the Jiffle script is compiled into Java code via Janino, and executed. In particular, this affects the downstream GeoServer project.
How severe is CVE-2022-24816?
CVE-2022-24816 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 10, rated critical. On the Rainforest Risk Index — which weighs the severity alongside how easy the flaw is to reach and how broad its impact is — it scores 100 out of 100, in the critical band.
How is CVE-2022-24816 exploited?
According to the CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H): attack vector Network, attack complexity Low, privileges required None, user interaction None. Impact on confidentiality High, integrity High and availability High.
Which products are affected by CVE-2022-24816?
Public advisories list the following as affected: jai-ext. Check the references on this page for the exact versions each vendor confirms.
How do I fix CVE-2022-24816?
Apply the fix the vendor published — the references on this page link to the primary advisories and patches. When patching can't happen right away, reduce the exposure of the affected component and watch it for exploitation attempts. Rainforest customers see this vulnerability correlated to their own assets and prioritized by real exposure, not by score alone.
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