CVE-2022-35631 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Velociraptor, a product by Rapid7, was affected by a vulnerability that allowed attackers on MacOS and Linux to perform a symlink attack by manipulating a predictable file name to overwrite another file. This issue was identified by Tim Goddard of CyberCX.

Understanding CVE-2022-35631

This CVE highlights a vulnerability in Velociraptor versions less than 0.6.5-2 that could be exploited to conduct symlink attacks on temporary files.

What is CVE-2022-35631?

The CVE-2022-35631 vulnerability in Velociraptor enables attackers to utilize symlink attacks on MacOS and Linux systems by replacing a file name with a symlink to overwrite another file.

The Impact of CVE-2022-35631

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthorized users to manipulate file operations and potentially overwrite critical files.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-35631

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Velociraptor versions less than 0.6.5-2 allows attackers to exploit predictable file names and perform symlink attacks on temporary files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Velociraptor versions below 0.6.5-2 on MacOS and Linux systems are susceptible to this symlink attack vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can replace a predictable file name with a symlink to another file, tricking the Velociraptor client into overwriting the target file.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-35631, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Velociraptor to version 0.6.5-2 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious file activities or unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and file permission mechanisms to limit unauthorized file operations.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Rapid7 and promptly apply patches and updates to secure Velociraptor installations.