A serious security vulnerability has been identified in the Quarkus Java framework, exposing systems to the potential risk of remote code execution. This flaw has been assigned CVE-2022-4116 and carries a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a high severity level. Importantly, this vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring any special privileges.
According to Joseph Beeton, a researcher at Contrast Security who discovered the issue, the vulnerability is located within the Dev UI Configuration Editor. This aspect of Quarkus is susceptible to ‘drive-by localhost’ attacks, where simply visiting a carefully crafted website can trigger remote code execution.
Quarkus, an open-source project maintained by Red Hat, is designed for creating Java applications in cloud-native and serverless environments. However, this vulnerability primarily affects developers operating on local machines who might inadvertently navigate to a malicious site containing JavaScript code aimed at executing arbitrary payloads.
The nature of the attack could involve spear-phishing strategies or watering hole attacks, bypassing the need for further interaction from the victim. Additionally, this exploit could manifest through rogue advertisements on popular websites visited by developers, increasing the likelihood of exposure.
The Quarkus Dev UI, which provides developers with the capability to manage application status, configuration, and other vital tasks, is limited to the localhost environment. As such, it lacks essential security features like authentication and cross-origin resource sharing (CORS), rendering it vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Contrast Security emphasizes the risk resides in the ability of the malicious JavaScript code to modify Quarkus application settings through an HTTP POST request, potentially leading to code execution. While the flaw is confined to Dev Mode, its implications are significant; an attacker could gain local access to the developer’s machine.
Red Hat has urged all users to update to version 2.14.2.Final or 2.13.5.Final to mitigate this vulnerability. A proposed workaround includes relocating non-application endpoints to an arbitrary root path to enhance security against potential exploits.
The targets of this vulnerability are developers using Quarkus, primarily based in the United States. The tactics employed in this attack align with several MITRE ATT&CK framework methodologies, including initial access, which focuses on enabling entry into a system, and exploitation of remote services to achieve the desired malicious outcome.
Cybersecurity professionals and businesses are advised to remain vigilant against potential risks associated with this vulnerability. Awareness and timely upgrades are crucial for safeguarding against such security threats.