CVE-2022-2191 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Eclipse Jetty versions 10.0.0 through 10.0.9 and 11.0.0 through 11.0.9 are impacted by a vulnerability where SslConnection fails to release ByteBuffers from configured ByteBufferPool on error code paths.

Understanding CVE-2022-2191

This CVE affects Eclipse Jetty, leading to potential security risks due to the improper handling of memory resources.

What is CVE-2022-2191?

In versions 10.0.0 to 10.0.9 and 11.0.0 to 11.0.9 of Eclipse Jetty, the SslConnection component does not properly release ByteBuffers in certain error scenarios, raising security concerns.

The Impact of CVE-2022-2191

The vulnerability poses a high availability impact, with a CVSS base score of 7.5, creating a risk of unauthorized access and exploitation through network interactions.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-2191

The technical aspects of the CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

SslConnection in affected Jetty versions does not release ByteBuffers from the ByteBufferPool during error code paths, potentially leading to resource exhaustion and denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Eclipse Jetty versions 10.0.0 to 10.0.9 and 11.0.0 to 11.0.9 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering error conditions that cause SslConnection to mishandle ByteBuffers, potentially leading to service disruptions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-2191, consider the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Eclipse Jetty instances to patched versions.
Monitor and restrict network access to vulnerable systems.
Implement network segmentation to contain potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software components to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and mitigate similar security flaws.
Educate system administrators and developers on secure coding practices to prevent memory-related vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

The Eclipse Foundation has released patches for the affected Jetty versions. Ensure prompt application of these updates to mitigate the CVE-2022-2191 vulnerability.