CVE-2022-37703 : Security Advisory and Response

Amanda 3.5.1 has been identified with an information leak vulnerability in the calcsize SUID binary, allowing an attacker to determine the existence of directories in the file system. This vulnerability arises from the binary using

opendir()

as root directly, enabling the attacker to specify any path.

Understanding CVE-2022-37703

This section delves into what CVE-2022-37703 is and its impact.

What is CVE-2022-37703?

The vulnerability in Amanda 3.5.1's calcsize SUID binary allows attackers to exploit it to discern the presence of directories across the file system by utilizing

opendir()

without path verification, thereby granting them the ability to provide arbitrary paths.

The Impact of CVE-2022-37703

The impact of this vulnerability lies in its potential for information disclosure, enabling unauthorized access to directory existence information within the file system.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-37703

Explore the technical aspects of this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Amanda 3.5.1 stems from the calcsize SUID binary, which improperly leverages

opendir()

without verifying the path, leading to information disclosure regarding directory existence.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Amanda 3.5.1 specifically, putting systems with this version at risk of directory existence disclosure.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the calcsize SUID binary in Amanda 3.5.1, attackers can exploit the improper use of

opendir()

to discern the presence of directories in the file system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the essential steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2022-37703.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Amanda to a non-vulnerable version to eliminate the information leak vulnerability.
Implement proper access controls and permissions to restrict unauthorized directory access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit file system access to detect any suspicious activities.
Conduct security training for personnel to recognize and report potential security threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Amanda to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.