CVE-2022-23556 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CodeIgniter is vulnerable to IP address spoofing when using proxy.

Understanding CVE-2022-23556

CodeIgniter4, a PHP full-stack web framework, is susceptible to IP address spoofing attacks when operating behind a reverse proxy.

What is CVE-2022-23556?

CVE-2022-23556 highlights a vulnerability in CodeIgniter4 that could permit malicious actors to falsify their IP addresses, compromising data authenticity.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23556

The vulnerability poses a high risk to confidentiality with a base severity score of 7 out of 10. Attackers could exploit this flaw to manipulate communication through IP address spoofing.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23556

The vulnerability is classified under CVE-345, indicating 'Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity.' The CVSS score for this flaw is 7 with HIGH attack complexity and NETWORK attack vector.

Vulnerability Description

CodeIgniter4 may allow IP address spoofing, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and data manipulation when used alongside a reverse proxy.

Affected Systems and Versions

Only CodeIgniter4 versions prior to 4.2.11 are impacted. Systems using affected versions are at risk of IP address spoofing attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by impersonating IP addresses behind a reverse proxy, potentially leading to data breaches and unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-23556, immediate action is required to secure CodeIgniter4 installations.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade CodeIgniter4 to version 4.2.11 or above and configure

Config\App::$proxyIPs

to mitigate the IP address spoofing vulnerability. Avoid using

$request->getIPAddress()

as a temporary workaround.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enhance web application security by maintaining regular updates, implementing secure coding practices, and monitoring for suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay proactive in applying security patches provided by CodeIgniter4 to protect against emerging threats and vulnerabilities.