CVE-2022-46170 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2022-46170 affecting CodeIgniter4, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access via session cookies. Get mitigation steps and upgrade recommendations.
This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-46170, which affects CodeIgniter4, a PHP full-stack web framework.
Understanding CVE-2022-46170
CodeIgniter is vulnerable to improper authentication via Session Handlers.
What is CVE-2022-46170?
CodeIgniter4, when using multiple session cookies and certain session handlers, allows attackers to access restricted pages if they obtain one session cookie, leading to improper authentication.
The Impact of CVE-2022-46170
The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.6 (High), with high confidentiality impact, low integrity impact, and low availability impact. Attack complexity is low with no privileges required.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-46170
The vulnerability in CodeIgniter4 allows unauthorized access to sensitive pages by exploiting multiple session cookies and specific session handlers.
Vulnerability Description
By compromising one session cookie, an attacker can gain unauthorized access to pages that necessitate another session cookie, potentially leading to privilege escalation.
Affected Systems and Versions
CodeIgniter4 versions prior to 4.2.11 are affected by this vulnerability. Users are advised to upgrade to version 4.2.11 or later to prevent exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by obtaining one session cookie and leveraging it to access pages requiring a different session cookie, bypassing authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2022-46170, immediate actions should be taken along with implementing long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Upgrade CodeIgniter4 to version 4.2.11 or later. As a workaround, consider using only one session cookie to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor and update session handling mechanisms. Review and restrict access controls to mitigate the risk of improper authentication vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to protect systems from potential security threats.