CVE-2017-7525
Jackson-databind Deserialization RCE: stopped at runtime
Waratek RASP already blocks this exploit at runtime, inside the JVM - with no application change, no vendor patch, and no downtime.
Published February 6, 2018 · Updated March 4, 2026
The vulnerability
Remote code execution via polymorphic type deserialization
When jackson-databind's default typing is enabled, ObjectMapper.readValue can be pointed at attacker-supplied JSON that instantiates arbitrary gadget classes during deserialization. An unauthenticated attacker who controls input reaching readValue can chain these gadgets into remote code execution.
Running an affected version? We can help.
Waratek RASP shields the vulnerable code in production - the exploit is blocked at runtime with no library upgrade, no redeploy, and no downtime. We can have you covered fast.
How Waratek RASP stops it
Blocked at runtime by Waratek RASP
Waratek RASP ships a patch rule that blocks exploitation at the exact point the dangerous operation is attempted, inside the JVM.
Runtime, not perimeter
Waratek RASP acts inside the JVM at the exact call that turns input into code, so obfuscated and encoded payloads are caught where a WAF misses them.
No code changes
Protection is applied as a rule at runtime. No source edits, no recompilation, no library upgrade, and no application restart required.
Zero false positives
Rules target the specific unsafe behaviour of the exploit, so legitimate traffic keeps flowing while the attack is blocked and logged.
| Mod | Rules | Enable |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson-databind Deserialization RCE protectionCVE-2017-7525 · Unsafe deserialization | 1 | |
| SQL Injection protectionQuery manipulation | 4 | |
| Path Traversal protectionUnsafe file access | 3 |
Flip one toggle in the Waratek Portal. The protection deploys to every attached application, with no restart.
Common questions
Jackson-databind Deserialization RCE FAQ
Is Jackson-databind Deserialization RCE (CVE-2017-7525) exploitable?
CVE-2017-7525 carries a CVSS 9.8/10 (CRITICAL) rating and affects FasterXML jackson-databind before 2.6.7.1, 2.7.x before 2.7.9.1, and 2.8.x before 2.8.9. When jackson-databind's default typing is enabled, ObjectMapper.readValue can be pointed at attacker-supplied JSON that instantiates arbitrary gadget classes during deserialization. An unauthenticated attacker who controls input reaching readValue can chain these gadgets into remote code execution.
How does Waratek mitigate Jackson-databind Deserialization RCE (CVE-2017-7525)?
Waratek RASP blocks exploitation of Jackson-databind Deserialization RCE (CVE-2017-7525) inside the JVM at runtime, with no application code changes, no vendor patch and no restart.
How quickly was Jackson-databind Deserialization RCE (CVE-2017-7525) exploited after disclosure?
Exploit code for CVE-2017-7525 was already circulating publicly on December 4, 2017, before the vulnerability was even formally published in the NVD. Attackers had a head start before most defenders had a CVE record to react to.
Protect your apps in production
Get protected against Jackson-databind Deserialization RCE - without code changes or redeploying
Book a call and we’ll show you how Waratek RASP shields your running applications against CVE-2017-7525 and attacks like it, and get you covered in production.