CVE-2022-35248 in Rocket.Chat
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2022
A improper authentication vulnerability exists in Rocket.Chat <v5, <v4.8.2 and <v4.7.5 that allowed two factor authentication can be bypassed when telling the server to use CAS during login.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-35248 represents a critical improper authentication flaw affecting Rocket.Chat versions prior to 5.0.0, 4.8.2, and 4.7.5 respectively. This issue specifically targets the authentication mechanism when CAS (Central Authentication Service) is configured as the login method, creating a significant security gap that undermines the intended two-factor authentication protections. The flaw allows attackers to bypass the mandatory second factor authentication process, effectively undermining the layered security approach that organizations rely upon for protecting user accounts. This vulnerability falls under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 related to valid accounts and credential access. The security implications extend beyond simple authentication bypass, as it could enable unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data and communications channels that are typically protected by multi-factor authentication controls.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs within the authentication flow when Rocket.Chat servers are configured to utilize CAS as their primary authentication method. During the login process, the system fails to properly validate or enforce the second factor authentication requirements that should be mandatory for all users. This occurs specifically when the CAS integration is active, suggesting that the flaw lies in how the system handles authentication state transitions between the initial CAS authentication phase and the subsequent second factor verification. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating the authentication sequence to skip the second factor verification step entirely, potentially gaining access to user accounts without proper authorization. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper session management and authentication state validation, where the system does not adequately verify that all required authentication factors have been successfully completed before granting access.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-35248 is substantial for organizations relying on Rocket.Chat for communication and collaboration services. When exploited, this vulnerability could result in unauthorized account access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within networks where Rocket.Chat is deployed. The bypass of two-factor authentication creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive information that would normally be protected by the additional security layer. Organizations using CAS integration for authentication are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability specifically targets this authentication method. The implications extend to compliance requirements where multi-factor authentication is mandated, potentially leading to regulatory violations and increased liability. Security teams would need to urgently assess their deployment configurations and implement immediate mitigations to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-35248 require immediate action to upgrade affected Rocket.Chat instances to versions that address the authentication bypass vulnerability. Organizations should implement the latest security patches available from Rocket.Chat, ensuring that all systems are updated to versions 5.0.0, 4.8.2, or 4.7.5 respectively, depending on their current deployment. Additionally, security teams should consider disabling CAS integration temporarily if immediate upgrades are not feasible, while implementing alternative authentication mechanisms that do not exhibit this vulnerability. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual login sequences or rapid authentication attempts from suspicious locations. Organizations should also review their access control policies and implement additional monitoring for privileged account access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication flow validation and session management, requiring organizations to conduct comprehensive security assessments of their authentication systems to identify similar weaknesses that could be exploited in other components of their infrastructure.