CVE-2022-24780 in iTop
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2022
Combodo iTop is a web based IT Service Management tool. In versions prior to 2.7.6 and 3.0.0, users of the iTop user portal can send TWIG code to the server by forging specific http queries, and execute arbitrary code on the server using http server user privileges. This issue is fixed in versions 2.7.6 and 3.0.0. There are currently no known workarounds.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24780 affects Combodo iTop, a widely used web-based IT Service Management platform that enables organizations to manage their IT infrastructure and service delivery processes. This critical security flaw exists in iTop versions prior to 2.7.6 and 3.0.0, representing a severe privilege escalation and code execution vulnerability that directly compromises the integrity and confidentiality of affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the user portal component, specifically in how the application handles HTTP requests containing TWIG template code. TWIG is a templating engine commonly used in web applications for generating dynamic content, but when improperly handled, it can become a vector for arbitrary code execution attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP request that allows authenticated users of the iTop user portal to inject TWIG code directly into the server processing pipeline. This injection mechanism bypasses normal security controls and validation checks, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the HTTP server user account. The vulnerability represents a classic case of server-side template injection, which maps to CWE-94 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically covering "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack vector leverages the application's trust in user input without proper sanitization, creating a path for malicious code execution that can escalate privileges and potentially lead to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on iTop for their IT service management. Attackers with access to the user portal can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, install backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance within the network. The fact that the vulnerability affects versions prior to 2.7.6 and 3.0.0 indicates a prolonged window of exposure, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment," as attackers could use the code execution capability to deploy additional malicious payloads or establish command and control channels.
Organizations utilizing Combodo iTop must prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to version 2.7.6 or 3.0.0, as no effective workarounds exist for this vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software in a staging environment to ensure compatibility with existing configurations and customizations. Security teams should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and review access controls to limit user portal privileges where possible. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation mechanisms, particularly in web applications that process user-supplied data through templating engines. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and additional security controls to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of their IT service management infrastructure.