CVE-2022-20771 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability affecting Cisco AMP for Endpoints due to a TIFF file parsing issue in ClamAV, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

Understanding CVE-2022-20771

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in the ClamAV scanning library, specifically versions 0.103.5 and earlier, and 0.104.2 and earlier, that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service condition.

What is CVE-2022-20771?

The CVE-2022-20771 vulnerability exists in the TIFF file parser of Clam AntiVirus (ClamAV) affecting Cisco products. It allows a remote attacker to trigger a denial of service condition on the target device.

The Impact of CVE-2022-20771

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5. It does not require any special privileges or user interaction, making it a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-20771

This section provides more insights into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a flaw in the TIFF file parser of ClamAV versions 0.104.0 through 0.104.2 and LTS version 0.103.5, allowing exploitation for a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Cisco AMP for Endpoints. Specifically, versions 0.104.0 through 0.104.2 and LTS version 0.103.5 are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating a malicious TIFF file to trigger the denial of service condition on the affected device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-20771, it is crucial to implement immediate steps for remediation and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ClamAV scanning library to the latest patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate attempted exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all software components and follow security best practices to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from ClamAV and Cisco to ensure timely patching of vulnerabilities.