CVE-2022-27043 in Yearning
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2022
Yearning versions 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 Interstellar GA and 2.3.4 - 2.3.6 Neptune is vulnerable to Directory Traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-27043 affects the Yearning platform across specific version ranges including Interstellar GA 2.3.1 and 2.3.2, and Neptune versions 2.3.4 through 2.3.6. This directory traversal vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized access to restricted file systems through manipulation of file path references. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data that is used in file system operations, creating opportunities for attackers to navigate beyond intended directories and access sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
This vulnerability operates through the exploitation of improper path validation mechanisms within the Yearning application's file handling processes. Attackers can manipulate input parameters to traverse directory structures and gain access to files that should normally be restricted. The technical implementation flaw typically involves the application directly using user-controllable input in file system calls without proper validation or sanitization, making it susceptible to path traversal attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially enable complete system compromise. An attacker could leverage this weakness to read sensitive configuration files, access database credentials, retrieve source code, or even upload malicious files to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The severity is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects multiple versions within the Yearning platform, indicating a systemic flaw in the application's security architecture rather than an isolated incident. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for organizations using these specific versions as it allows for continuous exploitation without requiring complex attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-27043 should prioritize immediate version updates to the latest stable releases of the Yearning platform where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent path traversal attempts, including the use of allowlists for valid file paths and the removal of special characters from user inputs. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the impact of any successful traversal attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of file handling processes and implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers may use the traversal capabilities to gain initial access or escalate privileges within compromised environments.