CVE-2022-23008 in BIG-IP
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2022
On NGINX Controller API Management versions 3.18.0-3.19.0, an authenticated attacker with access to the "user" or "admin" role can use undisclosed API endpoints on NGINX Controller API Management to inject JavaScript code that is executed on managed NGINX data plane instances. Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2022
This vulnerability exists within NGINX Controller API Management versions 3.18.0 through 3.19.0, representing a critical server-side code injection flaw that enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code on managed NGINX data plane instances. The vulnerability stems from undisclosed API endpoints that lack proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, allowing maliciously crafted payloads to be injected and subsequently executed within the data plane environment. This represents a severe privilege escalation and code execution vector that directly compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire NGINX management ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an authenticated attack surface where users with either "user" or "admin" roles can leverage undisclosed API endpoints to inject JavaScript payloads. These endpoints likely process user-supplied input without adequate sanitization, creating a path for attackers to manipulate the data plane instances through the controller management interface. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript." The attack chain typically involves initial authentication followed by payload injection through the vulnerable API endpoints, leading to arbitrary code execution on the data plane instances.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it allows attackers to gain complete control over managed NGINX data plane instances, potentially enabling them to modify routing rules, intercept traffic, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The compromise of data plane instances directly affects the availability and integrity of the entire NGINX API management infrastructure, potentially disrupting services for all applications relying on the managed NGINX instances. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges further, or use the compromised instances as launch points for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of NGINX Controller's API management capabilities and represents a significant threat to organizations relying on this platform for API governance and traffic management.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of NGINX Controller API Management, specifically versions beyond 3.19.0, to remediate this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the API endpoints to only trusted administrators. Regular security audits of API endpoints and input validation mechanisms should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual API activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting access to administrative roles only to authorized personnel, and regular credential rotation should be implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent injection attacks targeting the affected API endpoints. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in distributed API management platforms and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of all exposed API surfaces.