CVE-2022-23793 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2022-23793, a vulnerability discovered in Joomla! CMS versions 3.0.0 through 3.10.6 & 4.0.0 through 4.1.0 that allows an attacker to write files outside of the intended path by extracting a specifically crafted tar package.

Understanding CVE-2022-23793

CVE-2022-23793 is a security vulnerability that affects Joomla! CMS and joomla/archive, allowing for potential path traversal attacks.

What is CVE-2022-23793?

An issue was discovered in Joomla! 3.0.0 through 3.10.6 & 4.0.0 through 4.1.0. Extracting a specifically crafted tar package could write files outside of the intended path.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23793

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to manipulate files on the system beyond the intended directory, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data corruption.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23793

Here are some technical details related to the CVE-2022-23793 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of tar packages in Joomla! CMS versions specified, which allows malicious actors to traverse directories and write files in unintended locations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Joomla! CMS versions 3.0.0 through 3.10.6 & 4.0.0 through 4.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a specially crafted tar package and extracting it using the Joomla! CMS software, allowing them to write files outside the intended directory.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-23793, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Joomla! CMS to the latest patched version to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Monitor system activities for any suspicious file write operations or unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review file permissions and access controls on the Joomla! CMS installation.
Educate administrators and users about safe file handling practices to prevent the execution of malicious files.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Joomla! Project and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.