CVE-2022-24774 in BOM Repository Server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/22/2022
CycloneDX BOM Repository Server is a bill of materials (BOM) repository server for distributing CycloneDX BOMs. CycloneDX BOM Repository Server before version 2.0.1 has an improper input validation vulnerability leading to path traversal. A malicious user may potentially exploit this vulnerability to create arbitrary directories or a denial of service by deleting arbitrary directories. The vulnerability is resolved in version 2.0.1. The vulnerability is not exploitable with the default configuration with the post and delete methods disabled. This can be configured by modifying the `appsettings.json` file, or alternatively, setting the environment variables `ALLOWEDMETHODS__POST` and `ALLOWEDMETHODS__DELETE` to `false`.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2022
The CVE-2022-24774 vulnerability affects the CycloneDX BOM Repository Server, a critical component in software supply chain security that manages and distributes CycloneDX Bill of Materials documents. This server serves as a centralized repository for software component information, making it a potentially attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise software integrity and security posture. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file system operations. This flaw exists within the server's handling of path-related inputs, creating a path traversal vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to the underlying file system beyond the intended boundaries of the application's operational scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the server processes requests containing specially crafted path references that bypass normal validation checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs that manipulate the file system navigation paths. When the server processes these inputs without proper sanitization, it can execute operations that create arbitrary directories or delete existing ones, effectively allowing full control over the file system where the server operates. This vulnerability specifically impacts the POST and DELETE methods of the API, which when enabled through configuration, provide attack vectors for remote exploitation. The flaw represents a direct violation of secure coding practices and can be classified under CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerability, which is a fundamental weakness in input validation that allows attackers to access files and directories outside of the intended scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, creating significant risks for organizations relying on the server for software component management. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially disrupt service availability through directory deletion operations, leading to denial of service conditions that compromise the integrity of the software supply chain. The vulnerability also enables persistent access to sensitive system resources, allowing attackers to establish footholds within the infrastructure that manages critical software component information. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and supply chain security breaches when such vulnerabilities exist in their software inventory management systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the server operates as a repository for critical software bill of materials that contain information about dependencies, versions, and security status of software components, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to compromise software integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24774 involve both immediate configuration changes and long-term architectural improvements. The primary recommended approach is to upgrade to version 2.0.1 or later, which includes proper input validation mechanisms that prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement the default security configuration by setting the ALLOWEDMETHODS__POST and ALLOWEDMETHODS__DELETE environment variables to false, effectively disabling the vulnerable API endpoints. The configuration management approach provides defense in depth by ensuring that even if other security measures fail, the vulnerable methods remain disabled. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the server, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter requests, and establishing comprehensive monitoring of file system operations. Security teams should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, restricting administrative privileges to only authorized personnel, and conducting regular security assessments of the server configuration. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of commands through API endpoints, and represents a clear example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe system compromise in software supply chain management tools.