CVE-2022-31793 is a high-severity vulnerability found in the muhttpd web server version prior to 1.1.7. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files on affected devices by constructing a specific URL that manipulates the file serving mechanism. The flaw arises because the code incorrectly skips the first character when serving files, which attackers can exploit to access sensitive filesystem paths.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating high severity. The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the device, leading to data breaches or further exploitation of the network. Immediate action is necessary as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely with minimal effort.
As of now, there is a known exploit for this vulnerability, and it is critical for affected organizations to prioritize patching or applying mitigations to safeguard their systems against potential attacks.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question is detailed in the official CVE description: "do_request in request.c in muhttpd before 1.1.7 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files by constructing a URL with a single character before a desired path on the filesystem. This occurs because the code skips over the first character when serving files."
The affected products include several Arris devices, such as NVG443, NVG599, NVG589, NVG510, as well as Arris-derived BGW210 and BGW320 devices. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, indicating a path traversal issue.
Organizations utilizing these devices should consult their firmware version and ensure they are updated to a version that mitigates this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2022-31793 lies in the handling of file requests within the muhttpd server. Specifically, the vulnerability allows attackers to leverage path traversal techniques by manipulating the URL. This can be executed by sending specially crafted requests that include a character that the server's file serving logic incorrectly ignores.
The attack vector is classified as network-based, requiring no special privileges or user interaction. The attack complexity is low, making it feasible for an attacker with basic knowledge of web requests to exploit the vulnerability. The potential impact on confidentiality is high, as attackers may gain access to sensitive files, while integrity and availability impacts are non-existent.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files or user data, which can lead to greater exploitation of the network or compromise of customer information. Given the high CVSS score of 7.5, organizations should view this vulnerability as a significant threat requiring prompt remediation.
The blast radius for exploitation is considerable, especially for organizations that utilize the affected Arris devices extensively in their infrastructure. Therefore, the urgency for addressing this vulnerability is high, and organizations should schedule remediation as part of their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions of muhttpd include all versions prior to 1.1.7. Additionally, the following firmware versions for Arris devices are vulnerable: NVG443, NVG599, NVG589, NVG510, BGW210, and BGW320.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should update the muhttpd software to version 1.1.7 or higher. Additionally, firmware updates for affected Arris devices should be applied immediately. If updates are not available, organizations can implement network filtering to restrict access to the web server from untrusted networks.
For further guidance on penetration testing and vulnerability management, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to ensure their defenses are robust.
Detection Guidance
Security teams should monitor logs for suspicious access attempts, particularly those attempting to access sensitive paths. Behavioral anomalies such as unusual file access patterns should be flagged for further investigation. Organizations should also implement network signatures to detect exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2022-31793 highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in the context of web servers. Ensuring that input validation is robust can prevent many vulnerabilities, including path traversal attacks. This incident serves as a reminder for security teams to regularly review and test their applications for similar weaknesses.
For ongoing education, organizations should consider resources on vulnerability management programs and effective penetration testing methodologies to enhance their security posture.
Lastly, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities to maintain an effective security strategy.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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