CVE-2022-31123 : Security Advisory and Response

This article discusses the Grafana plugin signature bypass vulnerability (CVE-2022-31123) that affects versions prior to 9.1.8 and 8.5.14. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to bypass plugin signature verification, potentially leading to the execution of malicious plugins on affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2022-31123

Grafana is an open-source observability and data visualization platform. The vulnerability stems from improper signature verification, allowing attackers to trick server admins into running unsigned plugins.

What is CVE-2022-31123?

CVE-2022-31123 is a security vulnerability in Grafana versions before 9.1.8 and 8.5.14 that enables attackers to bypass plugin signature verification.

The Impact of CVE-2022-31123

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to exploit the trust in plugin signatures, potentially leading to the execution of unauthorized and harmful plugins on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-31123

The following technical details shed light on the vulnerability and its implications:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper verification of cryptographic signatures, enabling threat actors to deceive server admins into running unsigned plugins.

Affected Systems and Versions

Grafana versions prior to 9.1.8 and 8.5.14 are susceptible to this vulnerability. Systems running these versions are at risk of plugin signature bypass attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by convincing server admins to download and execute malicious plugins despite the restriction on unsigned plugins.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-31123 and enhance the security of Grafana installations, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Grafana to version 9.1.8 or 8.5.14 to apply the patch addressing this vulnerability.
Refrain from installing plugins from untrusted sources to mitigate the risk of executing malicious code.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Grafana installations to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Educate server admins and users about the risks associated with unsigned plugins to prevent similar incidents.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Grafana to promptly address potential security vulnerabilities and apply patches to secure your systems.