External risk intelligence

IBM Aspera Faspex: Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2022-47986

A flaw in IBM Aspera Faspex allows remote code execution due to a data deserialization issue. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized control of systems, posing a significant risk to business operations and data integrity. Prompt remediation is advised to mitigate potential impacts.

5Halo Surface Signal

Deserialization

Ibm Aspera Faspex

4.4.1 and earlier4.4.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2022-47986

IBM Aspera Faspex is a file transfer solution designed to be deployed as an internet-facing gateway or web portal to facilitate the exchange of large files with external parties, making its API and web interface inherently public-facing by design in common deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

IBM Aspera Faspex is susceptible to a flaw that can allow unauthorized code execution. This vulnerability stems from how the system handles specific data inputs. If exploited, this could lead to significant disruptions and compromise of business operations.

  • Vulnerable IBM Aspera Faspex
  • Flaw in data deserialization
  • Potential for arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system. This is achieved by sending a specially crafted API call to the affected system. Successfully exploiting this flaw could grant the attacker control over the impacted system, leading to potential data compromise or further network infiltration.

  • Exposure condition: Internet-facing system.
  • Attacker starting point: Unauthenticated remote access.
  • Trigger and result: Malicious API call leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability poses a significant threat due to its potential for remote code execution without requiring any prior access or privileges. Attackers with moderate technical skills could exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. This could lead to widespread disruption, data breaches, and a severe impact on business operations. Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to mitigate substantial business risk.

  • Likely attacker skill: Moderate
  • Required access: None
  • Business risk: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A critical vulnerability has been identified in IBM Aspera Faspex, allowing for remote code execution. This flaw stems from a YAML deserialization issue exploitable through specific API calls. Organizations utilizing affected versions should prioritize addressing this risk to prevent potential system compromise.

  • Identify all instances of IBM Aspera Faspex.
  • Restrict network access to the affected application.
  • Apply vendor updates and validate remediation.

Frequently asked questions

What is IBM Aspera Faspex and how is it used?

IBM Aspera Faspex is a software solution used for transferring large files. It typically functions as an internet-facing gateway or web portal, enabling businesses to exchange files with external partners.

What is CVE-2022-47986, and what type of weakness does it involve?

CVE-2022-47986 is a critical vulnerability in IBM Aspera Faspex related to YAML deserialization (CWE-502). This flaw allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

How could an attacker exploit this IBM Aspera Faspex vulnerability?

An attacker could exploit this by sending a specially crafted, obsolete API call to the Faspex system. This specific API call was removed in a later version of the software, indicating it's the method of triggering the deserialization flaw.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2022-47986?

Organizations using IBM Aspera Faspex, especially those with internet-facing deployments, should be concerned. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this software is very likely exposed to the internet, making it a potential target for remote attacks.

What are the first steps to respond to this IBM Aspera Faspex vulnerability?

Begin by identifying all instances of IBM Aspera Faspex within your environment. It's also recommended to restrict network access to the application where possible and plan to apply vendor-provided updates.

References