CVE-2022-38009 in SharePoint Server
Summary
by MITRE • 09/13/2022
Microsoft SharePoint Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2022-37961, CVE-2022-38008.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2022
Microsoft SharePoint Server contains a remote code execution vulnerability that arises from improper input validation within the web application's handling of user-supplied data. This flaw exists in the server's processing of specific HTTP requests and allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of input parameters that are subsequently used in dynamic code generation or command execution contexts, creating a path for malicious payloads to be interpreted and executed by the server's runtime environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a code path where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into server-side operations without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious requests that manipulate the application's behavior to execute unintended commands, potentially leading to full system compromise. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the SharePoint server. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-94 categories, representing weaknesses in input validation and code injection that have been consistently identified as critical security risks in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established within the SharePoint environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to perform actions equivalent to the privileges of the SharePoint service account, which typically has extensive access to the server's resources and potentially the underlying database systems. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to lateral movement within the network, as SharePoint servers often serve as central points for enterprise collaboration and document management, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to expand their access within the organization.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches provided by Microsoft, configuring network-level restrictions to limit access to SharePoint servers, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious request patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for both network-level defenses and endpoint detection capabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, conducting regular security assessments of SharePoint configurations, and establishing incident response procedures specifically addressing remote code execution scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper secure coding practices, particularly in enterprise collaboration platforms that handle sensitive business data and user information.