CVE-2022-31261 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2022-31261, an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in Morpheus versions 5.2.16 and 5.4.x. Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
An XXE issue was discovered in Morpheus through version 5.2.16 and 5.4.x through 5.4.4. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to read local files accessible to the application by sending a crafted request with an XML External Entity (XXE) payload, leveraging a malicious Document Type Definition (DTD) hosted on a system under the attacker's control.
Understanding CVE-2022-31261
This section provides details about the CVE-2022-31261 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2022-31261?
CVE-2022-31261 is an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability found in Morpheus versions 5.2.16 and 5.4.x through 5.4.4. Successful exploitation requires the configuration of a SAML identity provider and knowledge of the unique SAML callback ID.
The Impact of CVE-2022-31261
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive local files by a remote attacker, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-31261
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2022-31261 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows attackers to read local files by injecting a malicious DTD via an XXE payload in a specially crafted request.
Affected Systems and Versions
Morpheus versions 5.2.16 and 5.4.x through 5.4.4 are affected by CVE-2022-31261. Users of these versions are urged to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit CVE-2022-31261, an attacker must have knowledge of the unique SAML callback ID of the configured identity source. By sending a request with a malicious DTD, the attacker can read sensitive local files.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we outline steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2022-31261.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable or restrict access to the SAML identity provider if not required.
- Implement input validation to filter out malicious payloads.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Morpheus to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Apply patches provided by Morpheus to address the XXE vulnerability in versions 5.2.16 and 5.4.x through 5.4.4.