CVE-2022-41876 in ezplatform-graphql
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2022
ezplatform-graphql is a GraphQL server implementation for Ibexa DXP and Ibexa Open Source. Versions prior to 2.3.12 and 1.0.13 are subject to Insecure Storage of Sensitive Information. Unauthenticated GraphQL queries for user accounts can expose password hashes of users that have created or modified content, typically administrators and editors. This issue has been patched in versions 2.3.12, and 1.0.13 on the 1.X branch. Users unable to upgrade can remove the "passwordHash" entry from "src/bundle/Resources/config/graphql/User.types.yaml" in the GraphQL package, and other properties like hash type, email, login if you prefer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41876 affects ezplatform-graphql, a GraphQL server implementation used within Ibexa DXP and Ibexa Open Source content management systems. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in how sensitive user authentication data is handled within the GraphQL endpoint. The vulnerability stems from insecure storage practices where password hashes are inadvertently exposed through unauthenticated GraphQL queries targeting user account information. The flaw specifically impacts versions prior to 2.3.12 and 1.0.13, creating a significant risk for organizations using these older releases. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) as it exposes password hashes without proper access controls or authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the GraphQL query interface which allows unauthorized users to request user account details including password hash information. When users create or modify content within the Ibexa platform, their authentication credentials become accessible through the GraphQL endpoint, specifically exposing the password hash field. This occurs because the GraphQL schema definition includes sensitive user properties that should not be accessible without proper authentication. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper authorization checks within the GraphQL query execution engine, allowing any unauthenticated user to retrieve password hashes from user accounts that have administrative or editorial privileges. This exposure typically affects high-privilege users who have content creation or modification capabilities, making the impact particularly severe for organizations with robust user management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, creating a significant attack surface for potential security breaches. An attacker who gains access to these exposed password hashes can attempt offline password cracking attacks using tools like hashcat or john the ripper, potentially compromising user accounts and gaining unauthorized access to the content management system. The vulnerability affects not only individual user accounts but also organizational security posture, as administrators and editors typically possess elevated privileges within the system. Organizations may face compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX that require proper protection of sensitive authentication data. The exposure of password hashes undermines the fundamental security principle of least privilege and can lead to privilege escalation attacks, where attackers use compromised credentials to move laterally within the system.
Organizations can address this vulnerability through several remediation approaches, with the primary solution being the upgrade to patched versions 2.3.12 and 1.0.13. This upgrade process should include thorough testing to ensure compatibility with existing customizations and integrations within the Ibexa platform. For organizations unable to immediately upgrade, a temporary workaround involves modifying the GraphQL schema configuration by removing the passwordHash entry from the User.types.yaml file located in the GraphQL package configuration directory. This manual patching approach requires careful attention to ensure all sensitive fields including hash type, email, and login information are properly restricted. Security teams should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to the GraphQL endpoint and consider implementing additional authentication layers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation in API endpoints and demonstrates the critical need for security reviews of GraphQL schema definitions to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive data. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their GraphQL implementations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other API endpoints and ensure proper authorization controls are in place throughout their applications.