CVE-2022-23131 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2022-23131 affecting Zabbix Frontend with SAML authentication. Understand the impact, technical details, affected versions, and mitigation steps to secure your system.
This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-23131, a vulnerability in Zabbix affecting the Frontend application with configured SAML.
Understanding CVE-2022-23131
CVE-2022-23131 is a security vulnerability in Zabbix that allows malicious actors to modify session data and potentially escalate privileges to gain admin access to the Zabbix Frontend application.
What is CVE-2022-23131?
The vulnerability arises when the SAML SSO authentication is enabled, allowing unauthorized actors to exploit session data and perform an authentication bypass, leading to an instance takeover.
The Impact of CVE-2022-23131
The flaw poses a critical threat as it enables unauthorized users to manipulate session data, potentially gaining admin access and escalating their privileges within the Zabbix Frontend application.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-23131
The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1, indicating a critical severity level with high confidentiality and integrity impacts. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity and requires no user interaction.
Vulnerability Description
When SAML authentication is enabled, a lack of user login verification in the session allows malicious actors to modify session data, leading to an authentication bypass and instance takeover.
Affected Systems and Versions
Zabbix Frontend versions 5.4.0 to 5.4.8 are impacted by this vulnerability, while version 5.4.9* is unaffected in the default configuration.
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit the vulnerability, attackers need to have knowledge of a Zabbix user's username or utilize the disabled guest account in conjunction with enabled SAML authentication.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2022-23131, organizations are advised to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk and implement long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
One immediate mitigation step is to disable SAML authentication until a patch or workaround is available. Organizations should review their configurations to ensure secure settings.
Long-Term Security Practices
Long-term prevention includes regularly updating Zabbix Frontend to the latest version and following security best practices to enhance the overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Ensure all security patches and updates provided by Zabbix are promptly applied to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.