CVE-2022-28366 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Certain Neko-related HTML parsers have a vulnerability that allows a denial of service attack through crafted Processing Instruction (PI) input, resulting in excessive heap memory consumption. This affects HtmlUnit-Neko up to version 2.26 but is resolved in version 2.27. The issue also impacts CyberNeko HTML versions up to 1.9.22, including OWASP AntiSamy before 1.6.6. However, 1.9.22 marks the final version of CyberNeko HTML.

Understanding CVE-2022-28366

This CVE pertains to a denial of service vulnerability in certain Neko-related HTML parsers due to excessive heap memory consumption triggered by malicious PI input.

What is CVE-2022-28366?

CVE-2022-28366 is a vulnerability in HtmlUnit-Neko and CyberNeko HTML parsers that allows attackers to perform a denial of service attack via carefully crafted PI input, leading to high memory usage.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28366

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to cause denial of service conditions on systems running affected versions of these HTML parsers. It could result in system unresponsiveness and potential service disruption.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28366

The technical aspects of CVE-2022-28366 include details about the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the HTML parsers' improper handling of Processing Instruction input, causing abnormal memory consumption and potential denial of service scenarios.

Affected Systems and Versions

HtmlUnit-Neko versions up to 2.26 and CyberNeko HTML versions up to 1.9.22 (including pre-1.6.6 OWASP AntiSamy) are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By providing carefully manipulated Processing Instruction input, threat actors can trigger excessive memory consumption within the HTML parsers, leading to denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2022-28366 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices to protect systems from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update to the fixed versions (HtmlUnit-Neko 2.27) or adopt security measures to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability through malicious input.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining up-to-date software versions, regular security audits, and input validation mechanisms can help prevent similar memory consumption vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates from the official sources to ensure the latest fixes for vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-28366.