CVE-2022-22932 in Karaf
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2022
Apache Karaf obr:* commands and run goal on the karaf-maven-plugin have partial path traversal which allows to break out of expected folder. The risk is low as obr:* commands are not very used and the entry is set by user. This has been fixed in revision: https://gitbox.apache.org/repos/asf?p=karaf.git;h=36a2bc4 https://gitbox.apache.org/repos/asf?p=karaf.git;h=52b70cf Mitigation: Apache Karaf users should upgrade to 4.2.15 or 4.3.6 or later as soon as possible, or use correct path. JIRA Tickets: https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/KARAF-7326
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22932 affects Apache Karaf's karaf-maven-plugin, specifically targeting the obr:* commands and run goal functionality. This issue represents a partial path traversal vulnerability that enables attackers to escape designated folder boundaries through carefully crafted input paths. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user-provided paths during the execution of obr commands, which are used for managing OSGi bundles through the OBR (OSGi Bundle Repository) system. The flaw is classified as a path traversal vulnerability under CWE-22, which is a well-known weakness in software systems where attackers can manipulate file paths to access unauthorized resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and path sanitization within the karaf-maven-plugin's command processing logic. When users execute obr:* commands or utilize the run goal, the system processes user-supplied paths without adequate restrictions on directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs that could allow access beyond the intended operational boundaries. This weakness is particularly concerning in environments where the plugin is used with elevated privileges or when user input is not properly sanitized. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, as the entry point is set by user actions, making it less likely to be automatically exploited but still pose a significant risk in environments where users have access to the plugin functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-22932 is considered low due to several mitigating factors that limit its exploitation potential. The obr:* commands are not frequently used within typical Apache Karaf deployments, reducing the attack surface significantly. Additionally, the vulnerability requires legitimate user interaction to be exploited, meaning that automated attacks are unlikely to succeed without user cooperation. However, the risk remains elevated in environments where users with access to the karaf-maven-plugin have elevated privileges or where the plugin is used in automated build processes. The vulnerability can potentially lead to unauthorized file access, directory listing, or even information disclosure depending on the system configuration and the privileges of the executing user. Organizations using Apache Karaf should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where the plugin is actively used.
The remediation approach for CVE-2022-22932 involves upgrading to Apache Karaf versions 4.2.15 or 4.3.6, which contain the necessary patches to address the path traversal vulnerability. These versions incorporate fixes that properly validate and sanitize user-provided paths before processing them within the obr:* commands and run goal functionality. Organizations should also implement proper input validation measures and consider restricting access to the karaf-maven-plugin to authorized personnel only. The fixes implemented in the referenced commits (36a2bc4 and 52b70cf) specifically address the path traversal logic by introducing proper path normalization and validation checks that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Security practitioners should also consider implementing monitoring and logging of plugin usage to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, where attackers might leverage the plugin functionality to execute unauthorized commands. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their Apache Karaf installations and ensure that all components are updated to their latest secure versions to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.