CVE-2022-41923 : Security Advisory and Response

A privilege escalation vulnerability has been identified in the Grails Spring Security Core plugin. This CVE allows attackers to access a specific endpoint using the authorization requirements of another endpoint, leading to potential privilege escalation attacks. It is crucial for users to update affected Grails framework applications to patched versions of the plugin to mitigate this security risk.

Understanding CVE-2022-41923

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2022-41923 vulnerability in the Grails Spring Security Core plugin.

What is CVE-2022-41923?

The CVE-2022-41923 vulnerability in the Grails Spring Security Core plugin enables attackers to gain access to a targeted endpoint by exploiting the authorization requirements of a different endpoint. This could result in unauthorized privilege escalation within Grails framework applications.

The Impact of CVE-2022-41923

The critical vulnerability poses a high risk, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1, indicating a severe impact on confidentiality and integrity, making it crucial for immediate mitigation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-41923

In this section, we explore the technical specifics of CVE-2022-41923.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to escalate their privileges by leveraging the authorization mechanisms of a different endpoint, potentially compromising the security of Grails applications.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Grails Spring Security Core plugin versions 1.x, 2.x, >=3.0.0, >=4.0.0, and >=5.0.0 but <5.1.1 are affected by this privilege escalation vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the mismatch in authorization requirements between endpoints to gain unauthorized access to specific functionalities, leading to privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2022-41923.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update affected Grails framework applications to patched versions of the Grails Spring Security Core plugin immediately to eliminate the privilege escalation risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust privilege management practices and monitor endpoint access controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates released by Grails to ensure the ongoing security of Grails framework applications.