activitywatch: Authentication Bypass by Spoofing
CVE-2022-31149 is a critical-severity authentication bypass by spoofing vulnerability in activitywatch, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected activitywatch versions: < 0.12.0b2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.28% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 71% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of activitywatch you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ActivityWatch | activitywatch | < 0.12.0b2 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.6 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
ActivityWatch open-source automated time tracker. Versions prior to 0.12.0b2 are vulnerable to DNS rebinding attacks. This vulnerability impacts everyone running ActivityWatch and gives the attacker full access to the ActivityWatch REST API. Users should upgrade to v0.12.0b2 or later to receive a patch. As a workaround, block DNS lookups that resolve to 127.0.0.1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Authentication Bypass by Spoofing
This attack-focused weakness is caused by incorrectly implemented authentication schemes that are subject to spoofing attacks.
More Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerabilities (CWE-290)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- github.com/ActivityWatch/activitywatch/security/advisories/GHSA-v9fg-6g9j-h4x4Third Party Advisory
Patches and release notes
- github.com/ActivityWatch/activitywatch/discussions/778Release Notes, Third Party Advisory
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- gist.github.com/zozs/fdebbce75fc8538c15851b46db944a16Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Recent Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
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