CVE-2022-3510 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Google Protobuf-Java and Protobuf-Javalite libraries. This vulnerability allows a denial of service attack due to a parsing issue with Message-Type Extensions in protobuf-java core and lite versions prior to 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, and 3.16.3. When inputs contain multiple instances of non-repeated embedded messages with repeated or unknown fields, it can lead to significant garbage collection pauses.
The severity level of this vulnerability is classified as high with a CVSS score of 7.5. This is significant as it indicates a network-exploitable condition with low attack complexity and no required privileges or user interaction. Organizations using the affected versions are at risk of service disruption, making immediate patching crucial.
Risk to organizations includes potential downtime and performance degradation due to the denial of service. With the availability impact marked as high, the urgency for defenders is to prioritize patching to prevent exploitation.
Currently, there are no known public exploits or proof-of-concept code available for this vulnerability, but organizations should not assume they are safe. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that this vulnerability allows for denial of service attacks due to a parsing issue in the protobuf-java core and lite versions. The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a serious risk, as it can be exploited over the network without requiring authentication.
Affected versions include protobuf-java versions from 3.16.0 to 3.16.2, 3.19.0 to 3.19.5, 3.20.0 to 3.20.2, and 3.21.0 to 3.21.6, along with corresponding versions of protobuf-javalite.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in how protobuf-java and protobuf-javalite handle parsing of embedded messages. When these libraries process inputs with multiple embedded messages, they can switch between mutable and immutable object forms, causing excessive garbage collection times. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication, making it an easy target for attackers.
The attack complexity is rated low, as attackers do not need any special conditions to exploit this vulnerability. Furthermore, it does not require user interaction, allowing attackers to trigger the denial of service attack directly through crafted inputs.
The availability impact is high, indicating that exploitation can result in significant service disruptions. No confidentiality or integrity impacts are reported.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using the affected versions of protobuf-java and protobuf-javalite face significant risks, as the vulnerability can lead to denial of service attacks. This is particularly concerning for applications relying on these libraries for processing messages, as prolonged downtime can affect operational capabilities and user satisfaction.
The urgency for remediation is high given the CVSS score of 7.5 and the potential for exploitation. Organizations should assess their use of these libraries and prioritize applying the recommended updates to mitigate risks.
With a known exploit not yet identified, organizations are advised to remain vigilant and monitor for any signs of abnormal behavior within applications utilizing the affected libraries.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of protobuf-java include versions prior to 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, and 3.16.3. Likewise, protobuf-javalite versions prior to 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, and 3.16.3 are also vulnerable. Organizations should ensure they are using patched versions to mitigate risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should update to the latest versions of protobuf-java and protobuf-javalite. The recommended versions to upgrade to are 3.21.7, 3.20.3, 3.19.6, and 3.16.3.
In case the patching process cannot be executed immediately, consider implementing configuration hardening measures to limit exposure to potential attacks. Additionally, organizations should monitor their services for signs of performance degradation or unusual behavior.
Continuous penetration testing can also help identify vulnerabilities and ensure that systems are fortified against potential attacks.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor log indicators for unusual message processing patterns and garbage collection times. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected service disruptions, should be investigated promptly.
Network signatures related to abnormal traffic patterns may provide additional insights into attempted exploitation. Regular system audits can help identify changes that may indicate a security breach.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2022-3510 lies in its potential to disrupt services through denial of service attacks. As organizations increasingly rely on protobuf-java for message processing, vulnerabilities like this can have a widespread impact.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of regular updates and proactive vulnerability management strategies. Security teams should prioritize learning from such incidents to strengthen their defensive postures.
For more insights on best practices in vulnerability management, consider reviewing our vulnerability management program design and penetration testing methodology resources to enhance your organization's security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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