How to remediate – Apache Commons Text JAR Detection

1. Introduction

The vulnerability “Apache Commons Text JAR Detection” indicates the presence of the Apache Commons Text library on a system. This is important because older versions of this library contain critical remote code execution vulnerabilities. Affected systems are typically Windows, Linux and Unix servers or workstations where Java applications are deployed. A successful exploit could lead to complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

2. Technical Explanation

The presence of the Apache Commons Text JAR file itself isn’t a vulnerability, but it indicates a potential risk if an older, vulnerable version is installed. Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities within specific versions of this library to execute arbitrary code on the host system. Exploitation requires a Java application to use the vulnerable functionality in the detected JAR.

• Root cause: The presence of the Apache Commons Text JAR file indicates that an application may be using a version with known remote code execution vulnerabilities.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker could craft malicious input that, when processed by an application using a vulnerable version of Apache Commons Text, allows them to execute arbitrary code on the server.
• Scope: Windows, Linux and Unix systems running Java applications that utilise the Apache Commons Text library are affected.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming whether a system is vulnerable involves identifying the version of the installed Apache Commons Text JAR file. A quick check can identify its presence, while a thorough method examines the manifest file for detailed version information.

• Quick checks: Use the ls command to list files in common Java library directories (e.g., /opt/java/lib/, /usr/local/lib/).
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16539 can detect Apache Commons Text JARs. This is an example only and may require updates.
• Logs and evidence: Examine application logs for references to the Apache Commons Text library, which might indicate its usage.

ls /opt/java/lib/*commons-text*.jar

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary solution is to update or remove vulnerable versions of the Apache Commons Text JAR file. These steps should be performed carefully, with backups in place.

4.1 Preparation

• Services to stop: Stop any Java applications that may be using the Apache Commons Text library.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Identify all Java applications using the Apache Commons Text library.
2. Step 2: Download the latest version of Apache Commons Text from https://commons.apache.org/proper/commons-text/.
3. Step 3: Replace the existing JAR file with the updated version in each application’s library directory.
4. Step 4: Restart all Java applications that were stopped in Step 2.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# Example application dependency file (pom.xml)
<dependency>
  <groupId>org.apache.commons</groupId>
  <artifactId>commons-text</artifactId>
  <version>1.9</version>
</dependency>

After

# Example application dependency file (pom.xml)
<dependency>
  <groupId>org.apache.commons</groupId>
  <artifactId>commons-text</artifactId>
  <version>1.10.0</version>
</dependency>

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help prevent this issue. Keeping software up-to-date is crucial, as is using a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) to track dependencies. Least privilege limits the impact if an exploit occurs.

• Practice 1: Patch cadence: Regularly update all Java libraries and applications to address known vulnerabilities.
• Practice 2: SBOM: Maintain a software bill of materials for each application to identify and manage third-party dependencies.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example PowerShell script to check for vulnerable version
$path = "C:Program FilesJavalib"
$vulnerableVersion = "1.9"
Get-ChildItem -Path $path | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*commons-text*.jar"} | ForEach-Object {
  if ($_.Name -match "$vulnerableVersion") {
    Write-Host "Vulnerable version found: $($_.FullName)"
  }
}

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying that the updated JAR file is in place and that any applications using it are functioning correctly. Re-run the detection methods to ensure the vulnerability is resolved.

• Post-fix check: Run ls /opt/java/lib/*commons-text*.jar and confirm the version number is greater than 1.9.
• Re-test: Re-run the Nessus scan (ID 16539) to verify that it no longer detects the vulnerable JAR file.
• Smoke test: Test key application functionality to ensure that the update did not introduce any regressions.
• Monitoring: Monitor application logs for errors related to Apache Commons Text, which could indicate issues with the updated library.

ls /opt/java/lib/*commons-text*.jar

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Preventive measures include establishing a regular patch management process and incorporating dependency scanning into CI/CD pipelines. Security baselines should also be updated to reflect the latest secure configurations.

• Baselines: Update security baselines or policies to require the use of the latest versions of Apache Commons Text.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular patch management cycle for all Java libraries, including Apache Commons Text.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Updating or removing the JAR file could potentially cause compatibility issues with applications that rely on specific features of older versions. A roll back plan should be in place to restore the previous state if necessary.

• Risk or side effect 1: Compatibility issues: The updated version may not be fully compatible with existing applications, requiring code changes.
• Risk or side effect 2: Service disruption: Stopping and restarting applications can cause temporary service disruptions.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: Updated on October 26, 2025