CVE-2022-22909 in HotelDruid
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2022
HotelDruid v3.0.3 was discovered to contain a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability which is exploited via an attacker inserting a crafted payload into the name field under the Create New Room module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22909 affects HotelDruid version 3.0.3, a web-based hotel management system that handles room reservations and administrative functions. This remote code execution flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring authentication. The vulnerability specifically resides within the Create New Room module where user input validation is insufficiently implemented, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute harmful payloads. The affected application processes user-supplied data through the name field without proper sanitization or input validation, making it susceptible to injection attacks that can bypass security controls and compromise the underlying system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the name field parameter within the Create New Room functionality. When an attacker submits a crafted payload containing malicious code, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before processing it. This lack of input sanitization creates a path for attackers to inject shell commands or other executable code that gets executed in the context of the web server. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," as it represents an attack vector through a web application interface. The absence of proper input validation and output encoding creates a direct pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate guest information, manipulate reservation data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the hotel management system, potentially resulting in financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. Organizations using HotelDruid v3.0.3 face significant risk of unauthorized data access and system manipulation, particularly since the vulnerability allows for remote exploitation without requiring authentication. The impact is amplified by the fact that hotel management systems typically contain sensitive guest information, payment details, and operational data that makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-22909 should focus on immediate patching of the affected HotelDruid application to version 3.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious payloads from being processed through the name field parameter. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting web server permissions and implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications and implement web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding practices, which align with security standards such as OWASP Top 10 A03:2021 - Injection and NIST SP 800-53 CM-7, which emphasizes configuration management and system security controls. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be implemented to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the hotel management infrastructure.