CVE-2022-24070 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2022
Subversion's mod_dav_svn is vulnerable to memory corruption. While looking up path-based authorization rules, mod_dav_svn servers may attempt to use memory which has already been freed. Affected Subversion mod_dav_svn servers 1.10.0 through 1.14.1 (inclusive). Servers that do not use mod_dav_svn are not affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24070 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Apache Subversion's mod_dav_svn module, specifically affecting versions between 1.10.0 and 1.14.1 inclusive. This issue manifests during the path-based authorization rule lookup process where the module attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated, creating a dangerous condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution or service disruption. The flaw resides in the mod_dav_svn module's handling of authorization data structures, where improper memory management practices allow for use-after-free conditions that attackers can exploit to compromise server integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory lifecycle management within the authorization subsystem of the mod_dav_svn module. When processing path-based access controls, the module maintains references to authorization rule data structures that are subsequently freed from memory but not properly invalidated. Attackers can manipulate the path-based authorization lookup process through carefully crafted requests that trigger the module to access these freed memory regions, potentially leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or denial of service attacks. This flaw aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of improper memory management in web server modules. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs within the core authorization logic that controls access to repository resources, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to version control systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-24070 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Servers running affected versions of mod_dav_svn become vulnerable to remote code execution attacks that could allow unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Subversion for source code management, as attackers could potentially access, modify, or delete repository contents, compromise sensitive source code, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using Apache HTTP Server with mod_dav_svn enabled, particularly those with web-accessible Subversion repositories that implement path-based authorization. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that many organizations use Subversion for critical development workflows, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where code integrity and access control are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24070 focus primarily on immediate version upgrades to Subversion 1.14.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the memory corruption issue. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected mod_dav_svn modules to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper memory management practices that prevent access to freed memory regions during authorization processing. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and ensure that the upgrade process is completed without disrupting critical development workflows. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for anomalous authorization request patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed audit logs of repository access provides valuable forensic data should an attack occur. Organizations should also consider disabling mod_dav_svn if web-based repository access is not required, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving privilege escalation and remote code execution, making it a critical priority for security teams to remediate promptly.