CVE-2022-4132 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A flaw was found in JSS. A memory leak in JSS requires non-standard configuration but is a low-effort DoS vector if configured that way (repeatedly hitting the login page).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4132 resides within the Java Security Services library known as JSS which serves as a critical component for cryptographic operations in enterprise environments. This memory leak vulnerability manifests when specific non-standard configurations are implemented within the JSS framework, creating a scenario where attackers can exploit the system through repeated interactions with the login interface. The flaw represents a significant concern for organizations relying on JSS for secure authentication and encryption services, as it can lead to system degradation and potential service disruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the JSS library where allocated memory resources fail to be properly released during repeated authentication attempts. When users repeatedly access the login page, the system accumulates memory references that are not effectively garbage collected, leading to progressive memory consumption. This memory leak becomes particularly problematic when the system is configured in a specific manner that intensifies the vulnerability's impact. The low-effort nature of the attack means that adversaries require minimal resources or expertise to execute a denial-of-service scenario, making it an attractive vector for malicious actors seeking to disrupt services.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to system availability and reliability within environments that depend on JSS for authentication services. The memory leak can gradually consume system resources until the application becomes unresponsive or crashes entirely, effectively rendering the authentication service unavailable to legitimate users. Organizations utilizing JSS for critical security functions such as certificate management, secure communications, or identity verification face potential operational disruptions that could compromise their security posture. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in high-traffic environments where repeated login attempts are common, as the memory consumption accelerates and the likelihood of service disruption increases exponentially.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework, specifically under the denial-of-service category where adversaries exploit system resource exhaustion to compromise availability. The CWE reference for this type of vulnerability would fall under CWE-401: Improper Release of Memory Before Removing Last Reference, which directly addresses the memory management flaw present in the JSS library. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including monitoring for unusual memory consumption patterns, implementing rate limiting on authentication endpoints, and applying the vendor-provided patches as soon as they become available. Additionally, system administrators should consider configuring the JSS library with standard security practices that prevent the specific non-standard configurations that enable this vulnerability, thereby reducing the attack surface and minimizing the potential for exploitation.
The remediation strategy should prioritize the immediate application of vendor patches and updates to eliminate the memory leak in the JSS library. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential configuration issues that could enable similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of automated response mechanisms that can detect and mitigate memory exhaustion attacks in real-time provides an additional layer of protection for systems running vulnerable versions of the JSS library.