CVE-2022-32222 in Node.js
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2022
A cryptographic vulnerability exists on Node.js on linux in versions of 18.x prior to 18.40.0 which allowed a default path for openssl.cnf that might be accessible under some circumstances to a non-admin user instead of /etc/ssl as was the case in versions prior to the upgrade to OpenSSL 3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2022
This cryptographic vulnerability in Node.js affects versions 18.x prior to 18.40.0 and stems from a change in the default OpenSSL configuration path during the upgrade to OpenSSL 3. The flaw manifests when the openssl.cnf file is placed in a location that may be accessible to non-administrative users, creating potential security risks that were not present in earlier versions where the configuration was properly restricted to /etc/ssl. The vulnerability represents a regression in security posture that occurred during the OpenSSL 3 migration process, where the default configuration path was inadvertently made more permissive.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the OpenSSL library's configuration file resolution mechanism which now defaults to a location that might contain insecure permissions or be accessible through user-controlled paths. This creates opportunities for privilege escalation or configuration manipulation attacks where malicious users could potentially modify the openssl.cnf file to alter cryptographic behavior or inject malicious configurations. The flaw specifically impacts Node.js applications that rely on OpenSSL for cryptographic operations, particularly those that do not explicitly set secure configuration paths or override the default behavior.
Operationally, this vulnerability allows attackers with limited user privileges to potentially compromise the cryptographic security of Node.js applications running on affected systems. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential certificate validation bypasses, man-in-the-middle attack facilitation, and general weakening of the cryptographic infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this to manipulate SSL/TLS connections, compromise certificate authorities, or otherwise undermine the security guarantees that cryptographic libraries are expected to provide. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-tenant environments or shared hosting scenarios where non-administrative users might have access to system directories.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching to versions 18.40.0 or later where the default path has been corrected to maintain proper security boundaries. Organizations should also implement explicit configuration management for OpenSSL settings, ensuring that applications do not rely on default paths that could be compromised. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of OpenSSL configuration files and permissions, particularly looking for any custom or non-standard locations that might have been introduced during the OpenSSL 3 migration. Additionally, monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized modifications to cryptographic configuration files, and security policies should be updated to reflect proper handling of OpenSSL configuration paths. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1552.001: Unsecured Credentials, as it potentially exposes cryptographic configuration that could be manipulated to weaken security controls.