Mitigating CVE-2022-22721: Addressing Critical Apache HTTP Server Vulnerabilities

Executive Summary

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, vulnerabilities such as CVE-2022-22721 present significant challenges to organizations worldwide. This critical vulnerability, found in the Apache HTTP Server versions up to 2.4.52, is a result of an integer overflow issue that can lead to out-of-bounds writes. This flaw potentially allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected servers, posing a severe risk to the integrity and security of systems. With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1, the urgency to address this vulnerability cannot be overstated. This report delves into the technical intricacies of CVE-2022-22721, its potential exploitation, and the necessary steps for mitigation.

Technical Information

CVE-2022-22721 is categorized under CWE-190, which pertains to Integer Overflow or Wraparound. The vulnerability is triggered when the

LimitXMLRequestBody

directive is configured to permit request bodies exceeding 350MB on 32-bit systems. This configuration can lead to an integer overflow, resulting in out-of-bounds memory writes. The Apache HTTP Server, a widely used web server software, is primarily affected, with versions up to 2.4.52 being vulnerable. The vulnerability's critical nature is underscored by its CVSS v3.1 vector: AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H, indicating that it can be exploited remotely without authentication or user interaction, leading to high impact on integrity and availability.

Beyond the Apache HTTP Server, other products are also affected. These include Apple Mac OS X versions up to 10.15.7 with specific security updates, Oracle Enterprise Manager Ops Center 12.4.0.0, Oracle HTTP Server 12.2.1.3.0 and 12.2.1.4.0, and Oracle ZFS Storage Appliance Kit 8.8. The widespread use of these products across various sectors amplifies the potential impact of this vulnerability.

Exploitation in the Wild

To date, there have been no confirmed instances of CVE-2022-22721 being exploited in the wild. The absence of known exploits or active exploitation reports suggests that while the vulnerability is critical, it has not yet been targeted by threat actors or Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. However, the potential for exploitation remains, especially given the vulnerability's high severity and the critical systems it affects.

APT Groups using this vulnerability

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that any specific APT groups are actively exploiting CVE-2022-22721. However, given the nature of APT groups and their focus on exploiting high-impact vulnerabilities, it is crucial for organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures.

Affected Product Versions

The vulnerability affects the following product versions: Apache HTTP Server versions up to 2.4.52, Apple Mac OS X versions up to 10.15.7 with specific security updates, Oracle Enterprise Manager Ops Center 12.4.0.0, Oracle HTTP Server 12.2.1.3.0 and 12.2.1.4.0, and Oracle ZFS Storage Appliance Kit 8.8. Organizations using these products should prioritize updates and mitigations to safeguard their systems.

Workaround and Mitigation

The primary mitigation strategy for CVE-2022-22721 is to update the Apache HTTP Server to a version where the vulnerability is patched. If immediate updating is not feasible, organizations should configure the

LimitXMLRequestBody

directive to a value of 350MB or less to prevent the integer overflow condition. Additionally, implementing network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Regularly reviewing and updating security configurations and practices is essential to maintaining a robust security posture.

References

For further technical details and updates on CVE-2022-22721, please refer to the following resources: NVD CVE-2022-22721 Details, Apache HTTP Server Security Advisory, Red Hat Customer Portal Advisory, Gentoo Linux Security Advisory, and Oracle Security Alerts.

Rescana is here for you

At Rescana, we are committed to helping our clients navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform is designed to provide comprehensive insights and proactive measures to protect your organization from vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-22721. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our cybersecurity team at ops@rescana.com. We are here to support you in safeguarding your digital assets and ensuring the resilience of your operations.