CVE-2022-23940 : What You Need to Know

SuiteCRM through 7.12.1 and 8.x through 8.0.1 is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution. Attackers with access to the Scheduled Reports module can exploit PHP deserialization in the email_recipients property to execute malicious code. This could lead to severe security implications, including unauthorized data access and system compromise.

Understanding CVE-2022-23940

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2022-23940 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-23940?

SuiteCRM versions 7.12.1 and 8.x through 8.0.1 are susceptible to Remote Code Execution due to a PHP deserialization flaw in the email_recipients property. By sending a specially crafted request, authenticated users can create a corrupted report with a PHP-deserialization payload, leading to code execution upon report access.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23940

The exploitation of CVE-2022-23940 can result in severe consequences, including unauthorized code execution, data leakage, and potential system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands, leading to a complete system takeover.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23940

To better understand the vulnerability, let's explore its technical aspects, affected systems, and how the exploitation works.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows authenticated users to inject PHP-deserialization payloads into the email_recipients field of a report. When the report is accessed, the crafted payload gets executed, enabling the attacker to run arbitrary code on the server.

Affected Systems and Versions

SuiteCRM versions through 7.12.1 and 8.x up to 8.0.1 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions should take immediate action to secure their systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the email_recipients property within a report using PHP deserialization payloads, attackers can execute unauthorized commands on the target system. This exploitation method poses a significant threat to the security and integrity of the affected SuiteCRM installations.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps that users and administrators can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-23940 and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply available patches provided by SuiteCRM to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, restricting access to the Scheduled Reports module can help prevent unauthorized exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforcing least privilege access, regularly monitoring for suspicious activities, and conducting security training for users can enhance the overall security posture of SuiteCRM installations.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security updates released by SuiteCRM and promptly applying patches is crucial to safeguarding systems against known vulnerabilities.