CVE-2022-35216 in EDM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2022
OMICARD EDM’s mail image relay function has a path traversal vulnerability. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability to by-pass authentication and access arbitrary system files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2022
The CVE-2022-35216 vulnerability resides within the OMICARD EDM mail image relay function, representing a critical path traversal flaw that undermines the system's security posture. This vulnerability specifically affects the image relay functionality that processes and handles email attachments, creating an attack vector through which unauthorized parties can manipulate file paths and access sensitive system resources. The flaw allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, eliminating the need for valid credentials to gain access to protected files and system components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file path parameters within the relay function, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to traverse the file system hierarchy.
This path traversal vulnerability operates at the core of the application's file handling mechanisms, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into file path resolution without adequate sanitization or validation. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the mail image relay function, which typically processes attachments and embedded images from email communications. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the system fails to properly validate these inputs, allowing the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the system. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities that enable unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-35216 extends far beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to extract sensitive information from the system including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other critical system artifacts. The unauthenticated nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it without requiring prior access to valid accounts, making the attack surface significantly broader and more dangerous. An attacker could potentially access system configuration files containing database connection strings, application secrets, or other sensitive data that could lead to further compromise of the system. The vulnerability also enables potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might access administrative files or executables that could be leveraged for more extensive system control, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing with Malicious Attachments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected OMICARD EDM software to address the path traversal flaw in the mail image relay function. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed within file path operations. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the damage potential even if exploitation occurs. Network segmentation and monitoring of email relay activities can help detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their email infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and establish robust logging and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized file access attempts. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security configurations to ensure that file system access is properly restricted and that the application enforces proper boundary checks on all user-supplied inputs.