CVE-2022-36536 in Syncovery 9
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2022
An issue in the component post_applogin.php of Super Flexible Software GmbH & Co. KG Syncovery 9 for Linux v9.47x and below allows attackers to escalate privileges via creating crafted session tokens.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36536 affects Syncovery 9 for Linux versions 9.47x and below, specifically within the post_applogin.php component. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables attackers to gain elevated system access through manipulation of session tokens. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the authentication flow, allowing malicious actors to craft and submit forged session tokens that bypass normal access controls. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the application's security model and could potentially enable full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the session token generation and validation logic within the post_applogin.php file. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating specially crafted session tokens that appear legitimate to the system's authentication layer. This typically involves manipulating token parameters, timestamps, or cryptographic signatures to bypass authentication checks. The flaw likely involves inadequate input sanitization, weak cryptographic practices, or flawed session management that fails to properly validate token authenticity. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-287 - Improper Authentication, which encompasses issues where authentication mechanisms are improperly implemented or bypassed. The attack vector operates through web-based exploitation where the malicious session tokens are submitted through the application's login endpoint.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation allows attackers to escalate privileges from standard user accounts to administrative or root-level access within the Syncovery application environment. This could enable unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations using Syncovery 9 for Linux versions 9.47x and below, creating a significant risk for businesses relying on this backup and synchronization software. Attackers could leverage this privilege escalation to access sensitive backup data, modify backup configurations, or establish persistent access points within the target environment. The implications extend beyond immediate data compromise to potential lateral movement within networks where Syncovery is deployed, as the compromised system could serve as a foothold for broader attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36536 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches or updates. Organizations must upgrade to Syncovery 9.48x or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. In the interim, administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to Syncovery installations, enforce strict firewall rules, and monitor for suspicious authentication attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing robust session management practices, enforcing strong cryptographic algorithms for token generation, and conducting regular security audits of authentication components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically T1078 - Valid Accounts and T1548.001 - Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism, highlighting the need for comprehensive access control monitoring and account behavior analysis. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for critical systems and establishing automated monitoring for anomalous session token patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.