CVE-2022-2818 in Cockpit
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2022
Improper Removal of Sensitive Information Before Storage or Transfer in GitHub repository cockpit-hq/cockpit prior to 2.2.2.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2818 represents a critical weakness in the cockpit-hq/cockpit repository software where sensitive information is inadequately handled during the storage or transfer processes. This issue affects versions prior to 2.2.2 and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how the system manages data sanitization before data persistence or transmission. The improper removal of sensitive information creates a pathway for unauthorized access to confidential data that should have been protected during system operations.
This vulnerability falls under the category of information exposure and aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the improper removal of sensitive information. The technical flaw manifests when the cockpit software fails to properly sanitize or remove sensitive data elements before storing them in databases or transmitting them across networks. The system does not adequately implement data masking, encryption, or other protective measures that should occur during data handling operations, leaving potentially confidential information vulnerable to exposure.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2818 extends beyond simple data leakage, as it creates opportunities for attackers to exploit the weakness through various attack vectors. The vulnerability can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain access to sensitive user information, authentication credentials, or other confidential data that should remain protected. This exposure creates risks for organizations using the affected software, particularly those handling regulated data or sensitive personal information where compliance with data protection regulations is critical.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1531 for credential access and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The attack surface is broad as the issue affects data handling during both storage and transfer operations, making it exploitable in multiple scenarios. Organizations should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability when implementing security controls and monitoring systems for their infrastructure.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 2.2.2 or later of the cockpit-hq/cockpit repository software, which includes proper implementation of sensitive data removal procedures. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive data sanitization protocols, conduct regular security assessments, and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential data exposure incidents. Security teams should also review their data handling practices and ensure proper encryption and access controls are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of their infrastructure.