Cloud Agent For Linux: Improper Validation of Integrity Check Value
CVE-2022-29549 is a high-severity improper validation of integrity check value vulnerability in Cloud Agent For Linux from Qualys, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 2.5.548.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Cloud Agent For Linux to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.28% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Cloud Agent For Linux to 2.5.548.2 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on blog.qualys.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualys | Cloud Agent For Linux | before 2.5.548.2 | 2.5.548.2 |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
An issue was discovered in Qualys Cloud Agent 4.8.0-49. It executes programs at various full pathnames without first making ownership and permission checks (e.g., to help ensure that a program was installed by root) and without integrity checks (e.g., a checksum comparison against known legitimate programs). Also, the vendor recommendation is to install this agent software with root privileges. Thus, privilege escalation is possible on systems where any of these pathnames is controlled by a non-root user. An example is /opt/firebird/bin/isql, where the /opt/firebird directory is often owned by the firebird user.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Validation of Integrity Check Value
The product does not validate or incorrectly validates the integrity check values or checksums of a message.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- The protocol specification describes the algorithm used for calculating the checksum. It is then a matter of implementing the calculation and verifying that the calculated checksum and the received checksum match.
More Improper Validation of Integrity Check Value vulnerabilities (CWE-354)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/168367/Qualys-Cloud-Agent-Arbitrary-Code-Execution.htmlThird Party Advisory
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Sep/10Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other references
Recent Improper Validation of Integrity Check Value vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.0 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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