CVE-2022-24882 is a critical vulnerability in FreeRDP, a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This vulnerability allows NT LAN Manager (NTLM) authentication to fail to properly abort when an empty password is provided. This issue affects FreeRDP-based RDP server implementations, while RDP clients remain unaffected. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.1, indicating its critical nature, and it has been patched in FreeRDP version 2.7.0. Organizations are advised to prioritize patching immediately.
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access due to improper handling of authentication requests. Since this vulnerability can lead to high confidentiality and integrity impacts, organizations should assess their exposure and take corrective measures as soon as possible.
Currently, there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability, making immediate patching the most effective mitigation strategy. The urgency for defenders to address this vulnerability is high, given its potential impact in real-world scenarios.
As of the last update, there is no public exploit confirmed, and the vulnerability is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, organizations should remain vigilant and monitor their systems for any related threats.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2022-24882 states that in versions prior to 2.7.0, NTLM authentication in FreeRDP does not abort properly when an empty password is supplied. This leads to potential unauthorized access to the RDP server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287, which refers to improper authentication.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.1, indicating a critical severity level. The CVSS vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N, reflecting its attack vector as network, with low complexity and no required privileges or user interaction.
FreeRDP and its associated components, including extra_packages_for_enterprise_linux and Fedora, are affected by this vulnerability. The vulnerability was published on April 26, 2022, and has been modified since its initial disclosure.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of NTLM authentication requests when the password field is empty. Attackers may leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of FreeRDP.
The attack vector is network-based, allowing potential attackers to exploit the vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is low, requiring no special conditions to exploit, and no privileges are needed. Additionally, user interaction is not required, making the vulnerability even more concerning.
In terms of impact, the vulnerability carries a high risk to confidentiality and integrity, as unauthorized users could gain access to sensitive information or manipulate system data. However, availability impact is not affected by this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk is significant, as organizations relying on FreeRDP for remote desktop services are vulnerable to unauthorized access. The blast radius potential includes not only single systems but potentially entire networks if RDP servers are compromised.
Given the vulnerability's critical CVSS score, it is crucial for organizations to act swiftly. The low EPSS score indicates that while the likelihood of exploitation may be low at this moment, the potential impact of a successful attack could be severe.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to significant reputational damage and financial loss.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
FreeRDP versions prior to 2.7.0 are affected by this vulnerability. This includes various distributions such as Fedora versions 34, 35, and 36, as well as the extra_packages_for_enterprise_linux package.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2022-24882, organizations should update FreeRDP to version 2.7.0 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, organizations should consider implementing network controls to restrict access to vulnerable RDP servers while monitoring for any unauthorized access attempts.
For more detailed guidance on securing remote desktop services, organizations can refer to our continuous penetration testing best practices.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access attempts to RDP servers. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected account lockouts or failed login attempts, may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network signatures that identify RDP traffic should be analyzed to detect potential malicious activities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2022-24882 highlights the importance of robust authentication mechanisms in remote desktop implementations. Organizations should regularly review their security posture to ensure that vulnerabilities are promptly identified and remediated.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder to prioritize security testing. For more insights on security best practices, organizations can consult our penetration testing methodology and consider engaging in proactive security assessments.
Organizations should also be aware of emerging trends in vulnerabilities and adapt their security strategies accordingly. Regularly updating systems and conducting security training for employees can further reduce the risk of exploitation.
Finally, for a comprehensive understanding of current threats and vulnerabilities, organizations can stay informed through our vulnerability management program.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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