External risk intelligence

Apache CouchDB Default Installation Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2022-24706

An improperly secured default installation of Apache CouchDB allows unauthenticated attackers to gain administrative privileges, impacting organizations using the database. This exposes them to risks of unauthorized data access and control, necessitating immediate security configuration reviews and updates.

4Halo Surface Signal

Apache Couchdb

before 3.2.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2022-24706

Apache CouchDB is a database application commonly deployed as an internet-facing service or API endpoint. While documentation recommends placing such instances behind a firewall, default installations have historically been accessible, and the product often serves as an externally reachable data service in various deployment architectures.

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Apache CouchDB, a database, has a security vulnerability that impacts improperly secured default installations. This flaw allows unauthorized access and enables an attacker to gain administrative privileges. The potential impact includes unauthorized control over the database, leading to data breaches or service disruption.

  • Vulnerable component: Apache CouchDB default installations
  • Core weakness: Improperly secured access
  • Main business impact: Unauthorized administrative access

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An improperly secured default installation of Apache CouchDB can allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain administrative privileges. The system's documentation provides guidance on securing installations, such as implementing a firewall. This vulnerability exposes organizations to significant business risk by allowing unauthorized access and control over sensitive data.

  • Exposed to network access.
  • Attacker gains admin privileges.
  • Triggered by default configuration.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

An improperly secured default installation of Apache CouchDB can allow an attacker to gain administrative privileges without authentication. This vulnerability affects organizations that utilize CouchDB and have not implemented proper security configurations. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control over sensitive data.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Network access to default installation
  • Business risk or urgency: High impact, treat as urgent

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization utilizing Apache CouchDB should immediately investigate potential exposure to CVE-2022-24706. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated access to improperly secured default installations, potentially granting administrative privileges. Immediate steps should focus on identifying all instances, mitigating exposure, applying vendor-provided fixes, and verifying their successful implementation.

  • Find exposed CouchDB assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Apache CouchDB and what is it used for?

Apache CouchDB is a database that stores data in JSON documents. It is used for applications that need to store and retrieve data, and it can be accessed over a network.

What is the weakness in CVE-2022-24706?

CVE-2022-24706 is a weakness classified as CWE-1188, which relates to improper initialization of resources. In Apache CouchDB, this means a default installation can be accessed without needing a password, allowing an attacker to take control of the system as an administrator.

How can an attacker exploit this vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this by accessing a default CouchDB installation that has not been secured properly over a network. The attacker does not need any special access or credentials to trigger this vulnerability.

Who should be concerned about this CVE?

Organizations that use Apache CouchDB and have it exposed to the internet or accessible from internal networks should be concerned. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this is likely an external threat because CouchDB is often used as a network-accessible service.

What are the first steps to respond to this threat?

If you are running Apache CouchDB, you should first identify all instances of the software within your environment. Then, take steps to reduce any potential exposure or isolate risky instances, and finally, apply any available updates or security configurations recommended by the vendor.

References

Sources and related resources

Primary sources: NVD, CVE.org, CISA KEV.

NVDPublished Modified