Back to Basics: Insecure Deserialization

Serialization converts complex application data into storable or transferable formats, while deserialization reconstructs it for use; however, deserializing untrusted input, particularly through language-native formats such as PHP or Java, can create serious security vulnerabilities. Insecure deserialization exploits automatic actions triggered during object reconstruction and insufficient restrictions on accepted data types, allowing attackers to assemble “gadget chains” from reusable libraries to leak data, alter or delete files, or potentially execute remote code. Risk reduction measures include limiting deserialization of user-controlled data, preferring simpler formats such as JSON, documenting serialization mechanisms, allow-listing expected types, verifying data signatures, and reviewing error logs for vulnerabilities. The post also presents Fastly Next-Gen WAF as a defense designed to identify malicious serialized payloads and gadget chains across formats including PHP, Java, and FastJSON while permitting legitimate serialized traffic.

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