CVE-2022-4722 in rdiffweb
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2022
Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness in GitHub repository ikus060/rdiffweb prior to 2.5.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4722 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw discovered in the rdiffweb repository management system developed by ikus060. This issue affects versions prior to 2.5.5 and stems from a primary weakness in the authentication mechanism that allows unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability resides within the core authentication logic where proper validation checks fail to adequately verify user credentials, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass the intended security controls. The affected system operates as a web-based repository management solution that provides access to version-controlled files and directories, making it a potentially attractive target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how the application handles authentication requests. Specifically, the system fails to properly validate session tokens or authentication credentials during critical operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the authentication flow through crafted requests. This weakness is classified under CWE-287 which addresses authentication bypass vulnerabilities, where the system does not adequately verify user identities before granting access to protected resources. The flaw manifests when legitimate authentication mechanisms are circumvented through improper input handling or missing validation checks that should occur during the authentication process. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific requests that bypass the normal authentication flow, potentially gaining access to repositories, files, and administrative functions without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-4722 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised environment. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to access version-controlled repositories, potentially exposing sensitive source code, configuration files, and other proprietary information. The vulnerability can also enable attackers to modify or delete repository contents, inject malicious code, or escalate privileges within the system. Given that rdiffweb serves as a repository management solution, the potential for data exfiltration, code tampering, and disruption of development workflows is significant. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of data stored within the repository, potentially affecting multiple projects and organizations that rely on the system for version control management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4722 center around upgrading to version 2.5.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the authentication bypass vulnerability. Organizations should immediately implement this update across all affected systems and conduct thorough security assessments to ensure proper deployment. Additional protective measures include implementing robust input validation, strengthening session management mechanisms, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious authentication attempts. The remediation process should also involve reviewing access controls and implementing principle of least privilege configurations to minimize the potential impact of any remaining vulnerabilities. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in related systems and ensure comprehensive protection against authentication bypass attacks. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication implementation and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and comprehensive vulnerability management programs.