CVE-2022-27907 in Nexus Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 03/30/2022
Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager 3.x before 3.38.0 allows SSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2022
The CVE-2022-27907 vulnerability represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw in Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager version 3.x prior to 3.38.0. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to make unauthorized requests to internal systems that would otherwise be protected by network segmentation. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input when processing requests to internal resources, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain access to sensitive internal infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically affects the repository manager's ability to properly validate and sanitize URLs used in various repository operations, creating an attack surface where external users can manipulate the application to communicate with internal services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Nexus Repository Manager's handling of repository proxy configurations and internal URL resolution mechanisms. When users configure proxy repositories or perform operations that require internal network communication, the application fails to properly validate the target URLs against a whitelist or internal network boundaries. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that direct the application to make HTTP requests to internal IP addresses or services, effectively bypassing network security controls. The flaw operates at the application layer where input validation is inadequate, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-918, which describes Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate user input before making network requests.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-27907 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to perform reconnaissance of internal networks, access sensitive services, or even escalate privileges within the repository environment. Organizations using affected versions of Nexus Repository Manager face significant risk of unauthorized internal network access, as the vulnerability allows attackers to probe internal systems, potentially discovering additional vulnerabilities or sensitive resources. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by unauthenticated users, making it accessible to anyone with access to the repository manager interface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1018, which covers Valid Accounts and Remote Services, as it enables attackers to leverage the repository manager's legitimate network access to explore internal infrastructure. The impact is compounded when the repository manager has access to privileged internal services or when it is configured to access sensitive internal resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-27907 primarily involve upgrading to Nexus Repository Manager version 3.38.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and URL sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as firewalls and access control lists to restrict internal network access from the repository manager server. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict proxy repository configurations to prevent access to internal services, and implement proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of validating all user-supplied input at the application level and implementing proper network boundary controls. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual network requests originating from the repository manager, as this could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.