CVE-2022-22928 in MCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/21/2022
MCMS v5.2.4 was discovered to have a hardcoded shiro-key, allowing attackers to exploit the key and execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22928 affects MCMS v5.2.4, a content management system that suffers from a critical security flaw involving a hardcoded Shiro key. This issue represents a severe configuration vulnerability that directly impacts the system's authentication and authorization mechanisms. The presence of a hardcoded cryptographic key within the application code creates an inherent weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to the system. The Shiro framework, which is commonly used for security management in Java applications, relies on strong cryptographic keys to protect session data and authentication tokens. When these keys are hardcoded within the application source code, they become immediately accessible to anyone who can obtain the application binaries or source code, effectively nullifying the security protections that should be provided by the framework.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the attacker's ability to leverage the known hardcoded Shiro key to decrypt session data and potentially forge authentication tokens. This weakness enables attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code within the application context, as the hardcoded key allows them to manipulate the security mechanisms that should protect against unauthorized access. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptography and improper credential handling, aligning with CWE-326 which addresses the use of weak or predictable cryptographic keys. The attack vector typically involves retrieving the application binaries or source code where the key is embedded, then using this key to decrypt session information and potentially impersonate legitimate users or administrators within the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using MCMS v5.2.4, as it allows for complete compromise of the system's security model. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain administrative access, modify content, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The potential for arbitrary code execution means that attackers can deploy malware, create new user accounts, modify system configurations, or perform other malicious activities that could severely impact business operations and data integrity. The vulnerability also increases the risk of lateral movement within networks, as compromised systems can serve as launch points for attacks on other connected systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if sensitive data is accessed or compromised through this vulnerability, particularly in industries with strict data protection requirements.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must be implemented immediately and comprehensively. The primary recommendation involves updating to a patched version of MCMS that removes the hardcoded Shiro key and implements proper key management practices. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other hardcoded credentials or cryptographic keys within their applications and infrastructure. The implementation of proper key management systems, including the use of environment variables, secure configuration management tools, and regular key rotation procedures, should be enforced across all applications. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and application logs, as the use of a hardcoded key often generates detectable patterns in system behavior. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems and applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in application design and deployment.