CVE-2022-46397 in VPP
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2023
FP.io VPP (Vector Packet Processor) 22.10, 22.06, 22.02, 21.10, 21.06, 21.01, 20.09, 20.05, 20.01, 19.08, and 19.04 Generates a Predictable IV with CBC Mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-46397 affects FP.io VPP (Vector Packet Processor) versions spanning multiple releases from 19.04 through 22.10, specifically addressing cryptographic weaknesses in the implementation of Cipher Block Chaining mode operations. This issue represents a critical flaw in the network processing framework's encryption mechanisms where the system fails to generate cryptographically secure initialization vectors for CBC mode encryption operations. The predictable nature of these initialization vectors directly compromises the confidentiality guarantees that should be inherent in properly implemented cryptographic protocols, creating a significant risk for any network infrastructure relying on VPP for secure packet processing.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper generation of initialization vectors that follow a predictable sequence rather than utilizing random or pseudorandom values as required by cryptographic standards. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-329 weakness category, which specifically addresses the generation of predictable initialization vectors in cryptographic operations. The predictable IVs in CBC mode encryption create opportunities for attackers to perform statistical analysis and potentially reconstruct plaintext data from encrypted network traffic, particularly when the same key is reused across multiple encryption operations. This weakness is particularly dangerous in network processing environments where VPP handles sensitive communications and where attackers might leverage the predictable patterns to infer information about network traffic or even decrypt portions of the encrypted data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cryptographic weakness to encompass potential network security breaches and data exposure risks. In network infrastructure environments using VPP for secure communications, this flaw could allow attackers to perform advanced cryptographic attacks such as chosen plaintext attacks or pattern analysis that exploit the predictable IV characteristics. The vulnerability affects all supported versions of FP.io VPP, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple release cycles and suggesting that organizations implementing these network processing solutions may have been vulnerable for extended periods. This issue particularly impacts network security appliances, routers, and switching equipment that depend on VPP for packet processing and encryption services, potentially exposing sensitive network communications to unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-46397 should prioritize immediate patching of affected VPP versions to address the predictable IV generation mechanism. Organizations should implement cryptographic protocol updates that enforce proper randomization of initialization vectors for all CBC mode operations. The remediation process should include verification of cryptographic implementations and testing of encryption operations to ensure that subsequent IV generation follows industry standards such as those specified in NIST SP 800-38A for block cipher modes of operation. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish procedures for cryptographic key rotation to minimize the impact of any successful attacks. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify all instances of affected VPP versions and ensure complete remediation across their operational environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1583.001 technique for obtaining capabilities, as it represents a method for adversaries to gain access to cryptographic weaknesses that could be exploited for broader network infiltration activities.