CVE-2022-46337 in Derby
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2023
A cleverly devised username might bypass LDAP authentication checks. In LDAP-authenticated Derby installations, this could let an attacker fill up the disk by creating junk Derby databases. In LDAP-authenticated Derby installations, this could also allow the attacker to execute malware which was visible to and executable by the account which booted the Derby server. In LDAP-protected databases which weren't also protected by SQL GRANT/REVOKE authorization, this vulnerability could also let an attacker view and corrupt sensitive data and run sensitive database functions and procedures. Mitigation: Users should upgrade to Java 21 and Derby 10.17.1.0. Alternatively, users who wish to remain on older Java versions should build their own Derby distribution from one of the release families to which the fix was backported: 10.16, 10.15, and 10.14. Those are the releases which correspond, respectively, with Java LTS versions 17, 11, and 8.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-46337 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Apache Derby database systems that leverage Lightweight Directory Access Protocol for user authentication. This weakness stems from improper handling of specially crafted usernames during the LDAP authentication process, allowing malicious actors to circumvent the intended access controls. The flaw specifically affects Derby installations that utilize LDAP for user verification, creating a pathway for unauthorized entities to gain elevated privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication mechanisms, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing with social engineering. The security implications extend beyond simple authentication bypass to encompass significant operational risks including potential system compromise and data exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the manner in which Derby processes username validation during LDAP authentication flows. When an attacker crafts a specific username pattern, the system fails to properly validate the authentication credentials against the LDAP directory service, resulting in unauthorized access. This flaw enables malicious actors to create excessive database instances and fill disk storage with junk data, effectively creating a denial of service condition that can render the system unusable. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where Derby operates with elevated privileges, as attackers can execute arbitrary code with the same permissions as the Derby server process. This code execution capability represents a direct pathway to system compromise, potentially allowing attackers to install malware or establish persistent access within the network environment. The flaw also permits privilege escalation attacks that can lead to full system control when combined with other exploitation techniques.
Organizations running vulnerable Derby installations face substantial operational risks including data integrity compromise, unauthorized information disclosure, and potential system infiltration. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple security domains as it allows attackers to view and manipulate sensitive database content, execute database functions and procedures, and potentially corrupt critical data structures. In environments lacking additional SQL-level authorization controls, the vulnerability creates a complete bypass of database protection mechanisms, enabling attackers to access and modify any data within the system. The risk assessment reveals that this vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Derby databases contain sensitive corporate information, financial records, or personal data. The potential for data exfiltration, system disruption, and unauthorized administrative access makes this vulnerability a high-priority concern for organizations maintaining Derby-based database systems.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Java 21 and Derby 10.17.1.0, which contain the necessary security patches to address the authentication bypass vulnerability. Organizations unable to immediately upgrade to the latest Java version can maintain compatibility by building custom Derby distributions from supported release families that have received the backported fix. These include Derby 10.16, 10.15, and 10.14 releases that correspond to Java LTS versions 17, 11, and 8 respectively. This approach allows organizations to maintain their existing Java runtime environments while receiving the security enhancements. System administrators should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as network segmentation, monitoring for unusual database activity, and regular security audits of Derby installations. The mitigation process requires careful planning to ensure compatibility with existing applications and systems, particularly in enterprise environments where Derby may be integrated with multiple applications and services. Organizations should also establish procedures for monitoring and verifying that the patches have been successfully applied across all vulnerable systems within their infrastructure.