Robotic Process Automation: Weak Password Requirements
CVE-2022-35280 is a critical-severity weak password requirements vulnerability in Robotic Process Automation from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Robotic Process Automation versions: 21.0.0; 21.0.1; 21.0.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.8% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 57% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Robotic Process Automation you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | Robotic Process Automation | 21.0.0; 21.0.1; 21.0.2 | Not stated |
| IBM | Robotic Process Automation For Cloud Pak | 21.0.0; 21.0.1; 21.0.2 | 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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.0 | 4.6 | Medium | CNA (us.ibm.com) |
Official description
IBM Robotic Process Automation 21.0.0, 21.0.1, and 21.0.2 does not require that users should have strong passwords by default, which makes it easier for attackers to compromise user accounts. IBM X-Force ID: 230634.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Weak Password Requirements
The product does not require that users should have strong passwords.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Consider a second authentication factor beyond the password, which prevents the password from being a single point of failure. See CWE-308 for further information.
- Consider implementing a password complexity meter to inform users when a chosen password meets the required attributes.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
Other vulnerabilities in Robotic Process Automation
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Weak Password Requirements vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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