CVE-2022-2068 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-2068, a vulnerability in OpenSSL involving the c_rehash script allowing command injection.

Understanding CVE-2022-2068

CVE-2022-2068 relates to a security issue within OpenSSL's c_rehash script that enables command injection, expanding on a previously identified vulnerability (CVE-2022-1292).

What is CVE-2022-2068?

The vulnerability arises from insufficient shell metacharacter sanitization within the c_rehash script, potentially leading to unauthorized command execution. Attackers could exploit this to execute arbitrary commands with the permissions of the script, affecting certain operating systems where the script is automatically run.

The Impact of CVE-2022-2068

The security flaw could be exploited by malicious actors to execute unauthorized commands, posing a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems leveraging the affected OpenSSL versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-2068

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The c_rehash script within OpenSSL fails to adequately sanitize shell metacharacters, allowing threat actors to execute unauthorized commands. The issue stemmed from inadequate checks on file names of certificates being hashed, enabling the injection of malicious commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

CVE-2022-2068 impacts specific versions of OpenSSL including 3.0.0, 3.0.1, 3.0.2, 3.0.3, 1.1.1-1.1.1o, and 1.0.2-1.0.2ze. Users relying on the c_rehash script in these versions are susceptible to command injection attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating file names of certificates processed by the c_rehash script, threat actors can embed commands within these names, tricking the script into executing these unauthorized commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against CVE-2022-2068, immediate actions, long-term security practices, and patching recommendations are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should discontinue the use of the c_rehash script and adopt the OpenSSL rehash command line tool. Applying the latest patches released by OpenSSL, version 3.0.4, 1.1.1p, and 1.0.2zf effectively remediate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employing secure coding practices, regular security updates, and code reviews can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Additionally, monitoring and restricting command execution privileges contribute to enhancing system security.

Patching and Updates

OpenSSL has issued fixes for CVE-2022-2068 in versions 3.0.4, 1.1.1p, and 1.0.2zf. Organizations are strongly advised to promptly update their OpenSSL installations to the patched versions to mitigate the risk of command injection attacks.