CVE-2022-28331 in Portable Runtime
Summary
by MITRE • 01/31/2023
On Windows, Apache Portable Runtime 1.7.0 and earlier may write beyond the end of a stack based buffer in apr_socket_sendv(). This is a result of integer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28331 affects the Apache Portable Runtime library version 1.7.0 and earlier on Windows operating systems. This issue manifests as a buffer overflow condition within the apr_socket_sendv() function, which represents a critical security flaw that can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during socket operations, creating a scenario where memory boundaries are exceeded during data transmission processes.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in an integer overflow condition that occurs when processing socket data transmission parameters. When the apr_socket_sendv() function processes multiple data buffers for transmission, it fails to properly validate or handle the cumulative size calculations of these buffers. This integer overflow results in a situation where the calculated buffer size exceeds the allocated stack memory space, causing memory corruption that extends beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is specifically triggered during operations involving multiple data vectors sent through socket connections, making it particularly dangerous in networked applications that rely on this library for communication.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28331 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates opportunities for attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the affected application. This vulnerability can be exploited through network-based attacks where an attacker sends specially crafted data packets that trigger the integer overflow condition. The consequences may include complete system compromise, denial of service conditions, or data exfiltration depending on how the vulnerable application handles the corrupted memory state. Applications that utilize the affected Apache Portable Runtime library for network communication are at risk, particularly those handling untrusted network input or operating in environments where network-based attacks are possible.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to Apache Portable Runtime version 1.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer overflow condition. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing the affected library and implement comprehensive monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. Additional mitigations include network segmentation, firewall rules restricting unnecessary socket connections, and implementing robust input validation for all network-facing applications that may be vulnerable to this type of buffer overflow attack.