CVE-2022-22553 in AppSync
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2022
Dell EMC AppSync versions 3.9 to 4.3 contain an Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts Vulnerability that can be exploited from UI and CLI. An adjacent unauthenticated attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to password brute-forcing. Account takeover is possible if weak passwords are used by users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22553 affects Dell EMC AppSync versions 3.9 through 4.3 and represents a critical weakness in authentication controls that directly impacts system security posture. This issue manifests as an improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts, a flaw that allows attackers to repeatedly attempt credential validation without adequate rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through both the graphical user interface and command line interface, providing attackers with multiple attack vectors and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. The security implications extend beyond simple authentication bypass to include potential account takeover scenarios, making this a significant risk for organizations relying on Dell EMC AppSync for their data management operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the scope of CWE-307 - Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts, which specifically addresses the lack of proper controls to prevent brute-force attacks against authentication systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness by systematically attempting various password combinations against user accounts without triggering protective mechanisms that would normally prevent such behavior. The adjacent network access requirement means that attackers do not need to be directly connected to the system but can exploit the vulnerability from nearby network segments, potentially through network scanning or packet capture techniques. This proximity requirement does not diminish the threat level, as many organizations have insufficient network segmentation to prevent adjacent network attacks, particularly in environments where legacy systems coexist with modern infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond immediate authentication failures. When combined with weak password policies, the vulnerability creates a dangerous environment where attackers can systematically compromise user accounts and potentially gain access to sensitive data managed by the AppSync platform. The ability to exploit this through both UI and CLI interfaces means that attackers can choose their preferred method of attack based on the target environment and available tools. Organizations that have not implemented strong password policies or account lockout mechanisms face the highest risk, as the vulnerability essentially removes the primary defense against automated credential guessing attacks. The potential for account takeover represents a severe operational risk that could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to critical systems, and compromise of business continuity operations.
The exploitation of CVE-2022-22553 aligns with several tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. Attackers can use this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain to establish persistent access to target systems, leveraging the initial compromise to move laterally within networks. The vulnerability also intersects with techniques involving password spraying and brute-force attacks, where attackers systematically test credentials across multiple accounts to identify valid combinations. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when conducting risk assessments and implementing security controls, as it represents a fundamental weakness in authentication infrastructure that can be exploited with relatively simple tools and techniques. The remediation approach should focus on implementing proper rate limiting, account lockout policies, and strengthening authentication mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of this specific weakness.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation actions including upgrading to Dell EMC AppSync versions that address this vulnerability, implementing robust account lockout policies, and ensuring that all user accounts utilize strong, complex passwords that resist brute-force attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns that may indicate brute-force attack attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other systems and applications within the organization's infrastructure.