CVE-2022-25842 in com.alibaba.oneagent:one-java-agent-plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/01/2022
All versions of package com.alibaba.oneagent:one-java-agent-plugin are vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write via Archive Extraction (Zip Slip) using a specially crafted archive that holds directory traversal filenames (e.g. ../../evil.exe). The attacker can overwrite executable files and either invoke them remotely or wait for the system or user to call them, thus achieving remote command execution on the victim’s machine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25842 affects the com.alibaba.oneagent:one-java-agent-plugin package and represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized file system modifications through malicious archive extraction. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of archive files, particularly zip archives, where crafted directory traversal sequences can be exploited to write files outside of intended directories. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization within the archive extraction logic, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths during decompression operations. The vulnerability is classified as a Zip Slip attack pattern, which is documented under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to overwrite critical system files, including executables, shared libraries, or configuration files that may be executed by the system or user processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrite capabilities and can result in complete system compromise through remote command execution. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can place malicious executables in critical system locations such as system32 directories, application installation folders, or other locations where the target system or user processes may execute files automatically. The attack vector typically involves crafting a malicious zip archive containing entries with directory traversal sequences like ../../evil.exe or ../../../windows/system32/cmd.exe, which when extracted, will write the malicious payload to locations outside the intended extraction directory. This vulnerability affects all versions of the affected package and can be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated systems or user applications may process untrusted archive files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as successful exploitation often requires either legitimate user credentials or the ability to execute code within the context of a system process that handles the archive extraction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25842 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of robust input validation controls. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of the com.alibaba.oneagent:one-java-agent-plugin package that contains fixes for the directory traversal vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict file path validation during archive extraction operations, ensuring that all extracted file paths are normalized and validated against a safe base directory. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of safe extraction libraries that automatically prevent directory traversal attempts, input sanitization, and the principle of least privilege when handling archive files can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit which systems can process potentially malicious archives, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file system modifications or suspicious archive extraction activities. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can execute archive extraction operations, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within the software supply chain that may be vulnerable to similar directory traversal attacks. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched components to ensure that legitimate functionality is preserved while the vulnerability is eliminated.