CVE-2022-43563 in Splunk
Summary
by MITRE • 11/05/2022
In Splunk Enterprise versions below 8.2.9 and 8.1.12, the way that the rex search command handles field names lets an attacker bypass SPL safeguards for risky commands https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/SplunkCloud/latest/Security/SPLsafeguards . The vulnerability requires the attacker to phish the victim by tricking them into initiating a request within their browser. The attacker cannot exploit the vulnerability at will.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-43563 affects Splunk Enterprise versions prior to 8.2.9 and 8.1.12, representing a significant security flaw in the platform's search processing language safeguards. This issue specifically targets the rex search command implementation which is designed to parse regular expressions and extract fields from log data. The flaw lies in how the system handles field name processing within the rex command, creating an unintended bypass mechanism that allows malicious actors to circumvent built-in security protections. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that requires social engineering elements, specifically phishing techniques, to successfully exploit the weakness.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper field name validation within the rex search command execution flow. When Splunk processes search queries containing the rex command, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate field names that could potentially contain malicious payloads or commands. This processing error creates a pathway where attackers can manipulate field references in ways that bypass the normal security constraints imposed on potentially dangerous SPL operations. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious search query that leverages the rex command's field handling behavior to execute unauthorized operations while appearing to comply with normal search syntax.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation or data access issues, as it enables attackers to potentially execute arbitrary SPL commands that would normally be restricted. The requirement for phishing-based attack delivery means that successful exploitation typically involves tricking legitimate users into executing malicious search queries within their own browser sessions, making the attack more subtle and harder to detect. This approach aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under techniques such as social engineering and credential access. The vulnerability's reliance on user interaction creates a hybrid attack model where the attacker must first establish trust with the target before executing the malicious payload.
Organizations utilizing affected Splunk Enterprise versions face significant risk from this vulnerability, particularly in environments where multiple users have search command access. The bypass of SPL safeguards means that attackers could potentially execute commands that would normally be blocked for security reasons, including operations that might access restricted data, modify search configurations, or even access system resources. The mitigation strategy requires immediate patching to versions 8.2.9 or 8.1.12, which contain the necessary fixes to properly validate field names within the rex command processing. Additionally, organizations should implement enhanced monitoring for unusual search patterns and consider implementing additional access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in security-critical systems and aligns with CWE categories related to improper input validation and command injection. The attack vector represents a sophisticated approach to bypassing security controls that emphasizes the need for defense-in-depth strategies. Organizations should also review their existing security monitoring and incident response procedures to ensure they can detect potential exploitation attempts of this nature. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor implementation flaws in core security features can create significant risks when combined with social engineering techniques. Security teams should prioritize updating affected systems and conducting thorough assessments of their Splunk environments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patching.