CVE-2022-2730 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE • 08/09/2022
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in GitHub repository openemr/openemr prior to 7.0.0.1.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2730 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw within the openemr healthcare management system repository. This issue specifically affects versions prior to 7.0.0.1 and stems from improper handling of user-controlled keys that can be manipulated to gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability resides in the authorization mechanism that fails to adequately validate user inputs when processing key-based access controls, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent intended security boundaries. Such flaws are particularly dangerous in healthcare environments where patient data protection is paramount and regulatory compliance requirements are stringent.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems. The flaw occurs when the application accepts user-provided keys without sufficient validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious inputs that manipulate the authorization logic. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and weak access control mechanisms that enable unauthorized data access. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that the key validation process does not properly enforce access restrictions, potentially allowing any authenticated user to escalate privileges or access data they should not be authorized to view.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the healthcare information system. An attacker exploiting this flaw could potentially access patient medical records, treatment histories, personal health information, and other sensitive data that should remain protected. The implications are severe in healthcare environments where data breaches can result in significant financial penalties under regulations like HIPAA, as well as reputational damage and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require advanced technical skills, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by threat actors with varying levels of expertise.
Organizations utilizing openemr versions prior to 7.0.0.1 should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to the patched version that addresses the authorization bypass mechanism. System administrators should also review and audit current access control policies to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred. The mitigation strategy should include monitoring for unauthorized access patterns and implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication and enhanced logging of access attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, requiring organizations to strengthen their defensive posture against such attack vectors. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the healthcare information system infrastructure.