Apache Derby: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2022-46337 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in Apache Derby from Apache, 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 Apache Derby versions: 10.1.1.0 through 10.1.3.1; 10.2.1.6 through 10.2.2.0; 10.3.1.4 through 10.3.3.0, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.42% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 73% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Derby to 10.14.3.0 or 10.15.2.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache Derby | 10.1.1.0 through 10.1.3.1; 10.2.1.6 through 10.2.2.0; 10.3.1.4 through 10.3.3.0; 10.4.1.3 through 10.4.2.0; 10.5.1.1 through 10.5.3.0; 10.6.1.0 through 10.6.2.1; 10.7.1.1; 10.8.1.2 through 10.8.3.0; and 8 more ranges | Not stated |
| Apache | Derby | 10.1.1.0 up to, but not including, 10.14.3.0; 10.15.1.3 up to, but not including, 10.15.2.1; 10.16.1.1 | 10.14.3.0, 10.15.2.1 |
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 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
A cleverly devised username might bypass LDAP authentication checks. In LDAP-authenticated Derby installations, this could let an attacker fill up the disk by creating junk Derby databases. In LDAP-authenticated Derby installations, this could also allow the attacker to execute malware which was visible to and executable by the account which booted the Derby server. In LDAP-protected databases which weren't also protected by SQL GRANT/REVOKE authorization, this vulnerability could also let an attacker view and corrupt sensitive data and run sensitive database functions and procedures. Mitigation: Users should upgrade to Java 21 and Derby 10.17.1.0. Alternatively, users who wish to remain on older Java versions should build their own Derby distribution from one of the release families to which the fix was backported: 10.16, 10.15, and 10.14. Those are the releases which correspond, respectively, with Java LTS versions 17, 11, and 8.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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