CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-43566NVD status: Modified

In Splunk Enterprise versions below 8.2.9, 8.1.12, and 9.0.2, an authenticated user can run…

CVE-2022-43566 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability in Splunk Enterprise from Splunk, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network 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 versions 8.1.12, 8.2.9, 9.0.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Splunk Enterprise to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.03% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 64% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Splunk Enterprise to 8.1.12 or 8.2.9 or 9.0.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update Splunk to 8.1.12 or 8.2.9 or 9.0.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  3. Update Splunk Cloud Platform to 9.0.2208 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on research.splunk.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
SplunkSplunk Enterprise8.1 up to, but not including, 8.1.12; 8.2 up to, but not including, 8.2.9; 9.0 up to, but not including, 9.0.28.1.12, 8.2.9, 9.0.2
SplunkSplunk8.1.0 up to, but not including, 8.1.12; 8.2.0 up to, but not including, 8.2.9; 9.0.0 up to, but not including, 9.0.28.1.12, 8.2.9, 9.0.2
SplunkSplunk Cloud Platformbefore 9.0.22089.0.2208

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
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:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.3HighCNA (splunk.com)
CVSS 3.18.0HighNVD

Official description

In Splunk Enterprise versions below 8.2.9, 8.1.12, and 9.0.2, an authenticated user can run risky commands using a more privileged user’s permissions to bypass SPL safeguards for risky commands https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/SplunkCloud/latest/Security/SPLsafeguards in the Analytics Workspace. The vulnerability requires the attacker to phish the victim by tricking them into initiating a request within their browser. The attacker cannot exploit the vulnerability at will.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Input Validation

The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Consider using language-theoretic security (LangSec) techniques that characterize inputs using a formal language and build recognizers for that language. This effectively requires parsing to be a distinct layer that effectively enforces a boundary between raw input and internal data representations, instead of allowing parser code to be scattered throughout the program, where it could be subject to errors or inconsistencies that create weaknesses.
  • Use an input validation framework such as Struts or the OWASP ESAPI Validation API. Note that using a framework does not automatically address all input validation problems; be mindful of weaknesses that could arise from misusing the framework itself (CWE-1173).
  • Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter the product, including but not limited to: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.

More Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities (CWE-20)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Splunk Enterprise

All Splunk Enterprise vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities

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