CVE-2022-22835 in Geocall
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2022
An issue was discovered in OverIT Geocall before version 8.0. An authenticated user who has the Test Trasformazione XSL functionality enabled can exploit a XXE vulnerability to read arbitrary files from the filesystem.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22835 represents a critical server-side request forgery issue within the OverIT Geocall platform prior to version 8.0. This vulnerability specifically affects the Test Trasformazione XSL functionality, which is designed to allow users to test XML transformation operations. The flaw exists in how the application processes XML input data, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the system's XML parser behavior. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of XML data, particularly when handling external entity references. Security researchers have classified this as an XML External Entity vulnerability, which aligns with CWE-611, indicating improper restriction of XML external entity references. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the XML parser to reference external resources, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability requires an authenticated user account with privileges to access the Test Trasformazione XSL functionality. Once authenticated, the attacker can craft malicious XML payloads that contain external entity declarations pointing to local files on the server. The system's XML parser processes these entities and attempts to resolve them, effectively allowing the attacker to read arbitrary files from the filesystem. This includes sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other potentially confidential information. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and lacks proper XML parser configuration to prevent external entity resolution. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates within the legitimate application functionality, making detection more difficult. The flaw essentially allows for a form of local file inclusion through XML processing rather than traditional file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information that could facilitate further attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to database connection strings, application configuration files, user credentials stored in configuration files, and potentially system-level information that could aid in privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects organizations using OverIT Geocall versions prior to 8.0, which may include telecommunications companies, emergency response systems, and geographic information systems that rely on this platform for their operations. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers need valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly mitigate the risk since credential theft is a common attack vector. The impact on business continuity is substantial as this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential service disruption.
Organizations affected by CVE-2022-22835 should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to OverIT Geocall version 8.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also configure XML parsers to disable external entity resolution and DTD processing entirely. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious XML processing activities, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of the affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from information repositories, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices. Organizations should also review their access control mechanisms to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the Test Trasformazione XSL functionality, reducing the attack surface for this specific vulnerability. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, particularly focusing on XML processing components within applications.