CVE-2022-32973 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2022-32973, a vulnerability in Nessus that allows an authenticated attacker to execute commands with administrator privileges.

Understanding CVE-2022-32973

CVE-2022-32973 is a Command Injection vulnerability in Nessus, specifically affecting versions 10.1.X and earlier. An attacker with authenticated access can exploit this flaw to bypass PowerShell cmdlet checks and run commands with elevated privileges.

What is CVE-2022-32973?

The vulnerability in Nessus allows an authenticated attacker to create an audit file that circumvents PowerShell cmdlet restrictions, enabling the execution of commands as an administrator. This could lead to unauthorized access and potential compromise of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2022-32973

The impact of CVE-2022-32973 is significant as it grants attackers the ability to run commands with elevated privileges, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or further exploitation of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-32973

This section covers specific technical details of the vulnerability including the description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from Nessus' inability to properly validate commands in the audit file, allowing an attacker to insert malicious commands that will be executed with administrator privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Nessus versions 10.1.X and earlier are affected by this vulnerability. Users of these versions should take immediate action to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2022-32973, an authenticated attacker needs to create a specially crafted audit file containing malicious commands. By executing the file, the attacker can bypass PowerShell cmdlet checks and achieve unauthorized access as an administrator.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2022-32973, organizations and users are advised to take immediate steps to secure their systems and prevent potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Nessus to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Restrict access to Nessus and ensure only authorized users can interact with the system.
Monitor for any suspicious audit file creations or executions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security assessments and audits to detect vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on safe practices to mitigate the risk of social engineering attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for Nessus and promptly apply patches to fix known vulnerabilities and strengthen system security.