CVE-2022-23532 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A path traversal vulnerability has been identified in the neo4j-apoc-procedures, allowing malicious actors to break out of the expected directory. This CVE poses a significant threat to Neo4j Graph database systems.

Understanding CVE-2022-23532

This section provides insights into the nature of the vulnerability, its impact, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-23532?

The CVE-2022-23532 refers to a path traversal vulnerability found in the apoc.export.* procedures of the apoc plugins in Neo4j's APOC library. This vulnerability enables attackers to escape the intended directory, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23532

The vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors with access to execute arbitrary queries on the Neo4j client or through Cypher injection vulnerabilities in applications. Although files can only be created and not overwritten, this vulnerability could still result in unauthorized access to sensitive files.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23532

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The path traversal vulnerability in the apoc.export.* procedures of the apoc plugins in Neo4j exposes systems to potential directory escape, enabling unauthorized file creation with restricted limitations on overwrite capabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts neo4j-apoc-procedures versions < 4.3.0.12 and >= 4.4.0.0, < 4.4.0.12. Systems operating on these versions are susceptible to exploitation unless patched with the required updates.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, attackers would need access to execute arbitrary queries through an authenticated Neo4j client or exploit Cypher injection vulnerabilities in applications, thus gaining unauthorized access to files.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-23532.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address the vulnerability, users are advised to update their neo4j-apoc-procedures to versions 4.4.0.12, 4.3.0.12, or 5.3.1. Additionally, controlling the procedure allowlist and disabling local file access can serve as interim protective measures.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure regular system updates and follow security best practices to safeguard against potential security risks. Implement secure coding practices and educate users on identifying and reporting security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Keep track of security advisories and patches released by the vendor, promptly applying updates to maintain a secure environment for Neo4j Graph database systems.