CVE-2022-40898 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue discovered in Python Packaging Authority (PyPA) Wheel 0.37.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via attacker controlled input to wheel CLI.

Understanding CVE-2022-40898

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Python Packaging Authority (PyPA) Wheel versions 0.37.1 and earlier that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack by supplying malicious input to the wheel CLI.

What is CVE-2022-40898?

The CVE-2022-40898 vulnerability found in PyPA Wheel 0.37.1 and older versions enables malicious external actors to execute a denial of service attack by injecting harmful input through the wheel CLI.

The Impact of CVE-2022-40898

The impact of this CVE is significant as it allows remote threat actors to disrupt the normal operation of systems running affected versions of PyPA Wheel, potentially leading to service unavailability and system downtime.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-40898

This section provides a deeper understanding of the technical aspects related to CVE-2022-40898.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in PyPA Wheel 0.37.1 and earlier versions arises from insufficient input validation, enabling attackers to craft input that triggers a denial of service condition within the wheel CLI.

Affected Systems and Versions

All systems running PyPA Wheel versions 0.37.1 and earlier are susceptible to this vulnerability. It is essential to identify and address these versions to prevent exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted input to the wheel CLI, leading to resource exhaustion and denial of service conditions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2022-40898, immediate actions and long-term security practices need to be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade PyPA Wheel to a version where the vulnerability has been patched.
Implement input validation mechanisms to mitigate the risk of malicious input.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components to address known vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by PyPA to address CVE-2022-40898 and other vulnerabilities.