CVE-2022-43569 in Splunk
Summary
by MITRE • 11/05/2022
In Splunk Enterprise versions below 8.1.12, 8.2.9, and 9.0.2, an authenticated user can inject and store arbitrary scripts that can lead to persistent cross-site scripting (XSS) in the object name of a Data Model.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-43569 affects Splunk Enterprise installations running versions prior to 8.1.12, 8.2.9, and 9.0.2, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated users to execute persistent cross-site scripting attacks through data model object names. This vulnerability resides within the data model functionality of Splunk Enterprise, which serves as a core component for organizing and analyzing data through customizable schemas and relationships. The flaw specifically manifests when users create or modify data model objects, allowing them to inject malicious scripts into the object name field that persist within the system and execute whenever the object is accessed or displayed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the data model creation and modification interfaces. When an authenticated user inputs malicious script code into the object name field of a data model, the system fails to properly sanitize this input before storing it in the database. The stored script then executes in the context of other users who view or interact with the affected data model objects, creating a persistent XSS attack vector that can be exploited across multiple sessions and user accounts. This vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, though in this case the attack vector is internal rather than external.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-43569 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions within the Splunk environment, and potentially access sensitive data. Since Splunk Enterprise is commonly used for security monitoring and log analysis, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to critical security information, manipulate audit trails, or establish persistent access to the platform. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers would need valid credentials to exploit it, but once compromised, the persistent nature of the XSS payload allows for long-term exploitation without repeated authentication requirements. Organizations using Splunk for security operations would face significant risk as this vulnerability could be leveraged to compromise the integrity of security monitoring and incident response processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-43569 primarily involve upgrading to the patched versions of Splunk Enterprise, specifically versions 8.1.12, 8.2.9, or 9.0.2, which contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Splunk Enterprise environments, enforce strict access controls and privilege management, and conduct regular security assessments of Splunk configurations. Security teams should also monitor for unusual data model modifications and implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation at all levels of application processing and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of data handling mechanisms within security platforms. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for Splunk administrators to recognize potential exploitation attempts and maintain regular patching schedules to address emerging threats in security monitoring platforms.