US-CERT- 2022 Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities

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2022 Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities

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SUMMARY

The following cybersecurity agencies coauthored this joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA):

• United States: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)


• Australia: Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)


• Canada: Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS)


• New Zealand: New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ) and Computer Emergency Response Team New Zealand (CERT NZ)


• United Kingdom: National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-UK)

This advisory provides details on the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) routinely and frequently exploited by malicious cyber actors in 2022 and the associated Common Weakness Enumeration(s) (CWE). In 2022, malicious cyber actors exploited older software vulnerabilities more frequently than recently disclosed vulnerabilities and targeted unpatched, internet-facing systems.

The authoring agencies strongly encourage vendors, designers, developers, and end-user organizations to implement the recommendations found within the Mitigations section of this advisory—including the following—to reduce the risk of compromise by malicious cyber actors.

• Vendors, designers, and developers: Implement https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/secure-by-design-and-default" title="Security-by-Design and -Default">secure-by-design and -default principles and tactics to reduce the prevalence of vulnerabilities in your software.
  
  • Follow the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF), also known as https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-218/final" title="NIST SP 800-218">SP 800-218, and implement secure design practices into each stage of the software development life cycle (SDLC). As part of this, establish a coordinated vulnerability disclosure program that includes processes to determine root causes of discovered vulnerabilities.
  
  
  • Prioritize secure-by-default configurations, such as eliminating default passwords, or requiring addition configuration changes to enhance product security.
  
  
  • Ensure that published CVEs include the proper CWE field identifying the root cause of the vulnerability.
  
  


• End-user organizations:
  
  • Apply timely patches to systems. Note: First check for signs of compromise if CVEs identified in this CSA have not been patched.
  
  
  • Implement a centralized patch management system.
  
  
  • Use security tools, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR), web application firewalls, and network protocol analyzers.
  
  
  • Ask your software providers to discuss their secure by design program and to provide links to information about how they are working to remove classes of vulnerabilities and to set secure default settings.
  
  

Download the PDF version of this report:

   

    AA23-215A PDF
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TECHNICAL DETAILS

Key Findings

In 2022, malicious cyber actors exploited older software vulnerabilities more frequently than recently disclosed vulnerabilities and targeted unpatched, internet-facing systems. Proof of concept (PoC) code was publicly available for many of the software vulnerabilities or vulnerability chains, likely facilitating exploitation by a broader range of malicious cyber actors.

Malicious cyber actors generally have the most success exploiting known vulnerabilities within the first two years of public disclosure—the value of such vulnerabilities gradually decreases as software is patched or upgraded. Timely patching reduces the effectiveness of known, exploitable vulnerabilities, possibly decreasing the pace of malicious cyber actor operations and forcing pursuit of more costly and time-consuming methods (such as developing zero-day exploits or conducting software supply chain operations).

Malicious cyber actors likely prioritize developing exploits for severe and globally prevalent CVEs. While sophisticated actors also develop tools to exploit other vulnerabilities, developing exploits for critical, wide-spread, and publicly known vulnerabilities gives actors low-cost, high-impact tools they can use for several years. Additionally, cyber actors likely give higher priority to vulnerabilities that are more prevalent in their specific targets' networks. Multiple CVE or CVE chains require the actor to send a malicious web request to the vulnerable device, which often includes unique signatures that can be detected through deep packet inspection.

Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities

Table 1 shows the top 12 vulnerabilities the co-authors observed malicious cyber actors routinely exploiting in 2022:

• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379" title="CVE-2018-13379">CVE-2018-13379. This vulnerability, affecting Fortinet SSL VPNs, was also https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa21-209a" title="Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities">routinely exploited in 2020 and https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-117a" title="2021 Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities">2021. The continued exploitation indicates that many organizations failed to patch software in a timely manner and remain vulnerable to malicious cyber actors.


• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-34473" title="CVE-2021-34473">CVE-2021-34473, https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-31207" title="CVE-2021-31207">CVE-2021-31207, https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-34523" title="CVE-2021-34523">CVE-2021-34523. These vulnerabilities, known as ProxyShell, affect Microsoft Exchange email servers. In combination, successful exploitation enables a remote actor to execute arbitrary code. These vulnerabilities reside within the Microsoft Client Access Service (CAS), which typically runs on port 443 in Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) (e.g., Microsoft's web server). CAS is commonly exposed to the internet to enable users to access their email via mobile devices and web browsers.


• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-40539" title="CVE-2021-40539">CVE-2021-40539. This vulnerability enables unauthenticated remote code execution (RCE) in Zoho ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus and was linked to the usage of an outdated third-party dependency. Initial exploitation of this vulnerability https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa21-259a" title="APT Actors Exploiting Newly Identified Vulnerability in ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus">began in late 2021 and https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/06/2003092365/-1/-1/0/Joint_CSA_Top_CVEs_Exploited_by_PRC_cyber_actors_.PDF" title="Top CVEs Actively Exploited By People's Republic of China State-Sponsored Cyber Actors">continued throughout 2022.


• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26084" title="CVE-2021-26084">CVE-2021-26084. This vulnerability, affecting Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center (a web-based collaboration tool used by governments and private companies) could enable an unauthenticated cyber actor to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability quickly became one of the most routinely exploited vulnerabilities after a PoC was released within a week of its disclosure. Attempted mass exploitation of this vulnerability was observed in September 2021.


• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-44228" title="CVE-2021-44228">CVE-2021- 44228. This vulnerability, known as Log4Shell, affects Apache's Log4j library, an open-source logging framework incorporated into thousands of products worldwide. An actor can exploit this vulnerability by submitting a specially crafted request to a vulnerable system, causing the execution of arbitrary code. The request allows a cyber actor to take full control of a system. The actor can then steal information, launch ransomware, or conduct other malicious activity.https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/apache-log4j-vulnerability-guidance">[1] Malicious cyber actors began exploiting the vulnerability after it was publicly disclosed in December 2021, and continued to show high interest in CVE-2021- 44228 through the first half of 2022.


• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22954" title="CVE-2022-22954">CVE-2022-22954, https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22960" title="CVE-2022-22960">CVE-2022-22960. These vulnerabilities allow RCE, privilege escalation, and authentication bypass in VMware Workspace ONE Access, Identity Manager, and other VMware products. A malicious cyber actor with network access could trigger a server-side template injection that may result in remote code execution. Exploitation of CVE-2022-22954 and CVE-2022-22960 https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-138b" title="Threat Actors Chaining Unpatched VMware Vulnerabilities for Full System Control">began in early 2022 and attempts continued throughout the remainder of the year.


• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-1388" title="CVE-2022-1388">CVE-2022-1388. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated malicious cyber actors to bypass iControl REST authentication on F5 BIG-IP application delivery and security software.


• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-30190" title="CVE-2022-30190">CVE-2022-30190. This vulnerability impacts the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) in Windows. A remote, unauthenticated cyber actor could exploit this vulnerability to take control of an affected system.


• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-26134" title="CVE-2022-26134">CVE-2022-26134. This critical RCE vulnerability affects Atlassian Confluence and Data Center. The vulnerability, which was likely initially exploited as a zero-day before public disclosure in June 2022, is related to an older Confluence vulnerability (https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26084" title="CVE-2021-26084">CVE-2021-26084), which cyber actors also exploited in 2022.

Table 1: Top 12 Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities in 2022

CVE	Vendor	Product	Type	CWE
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379" title="CVE-2018-13379">CVE-2018-13379	Fortinet	FortiOS and FortiProxy	SSL VPN credential exposure	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html" title="CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')">CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-34473" title="CVE-2021-34473">CVE-2021-34473 (Proxy Shell)	Microsoft	Exchange Server	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/918.html" title="CWE-918: Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)">CWE-918 Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-31207" title="CVE-2021-31207">CVE-2021-31207 (Proxy Shell)	Microsoft	Exchange Server	Security Feature Bypass	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html" title="CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')">CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-34523" title="CVE-2021-34523">CVE-2021-34523 (Proxy Shell)	Microsoft	Exchange Server	Elevation of Privilege	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/287.html" title="CWE-287: Improper Authentication">CWE-287 Improper Authentication
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-40539" title="CVE-2021-40539">CVE-2021-40539	Zoho ManageEngine	ADSelfService Plus	RCE/ Authentication Bypass	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/287.html" title="CWE-287: Improper Authentication">CWE-287 Improper Authentication
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26084" title="CVE-2021-26084">CVE-2021-26084	Atlassian	Confluence Server and Data Center	Arbitrary code execution	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/74.html" title="CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')">CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-44228" title="CVE-2021-44228">CVE-2021- 44228 (Log4Shell)	Apache	Log4j2	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/917.html" title="CWE-917: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement ('Expression Language Injection')">CWE-917 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement ('Expression Language Injection')   https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/20.html" title="CWE-20: Improper Input Validation">CWE-20 Improper Input Validation   https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/400.html" title="CWE-400: Uncontrolled Resource Consumption">CWE-400 Uncontrolled Resource Consumption   https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/502.html" title="CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data">CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22954" title="CVE-2022-22954">CVE-2022-22954	VMware	Workspace ONE Access and Identity Manager	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/94.html" title="CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')">CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22960" title="CVE-2022-22960">CVE-2022-22960	VMware	Workspace ONE Access, Identity Manager, and vRealize Automation	Improper Privilege Management	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/269.html" title="CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management">CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-1388" title="CVE-2022-1388">CVE-2022-1388	F5 Networks	BIG-IP	Missing Authentication Vulnerability	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/306.html" title="CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function">CWE-306 Missing Authentication for Critical Function
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-30190" title="CVE-2022-30190">CVE-2022-30190	Microsoft	Multiple Products	RCE	None Listed
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-26134" title="CVE-2022-26134">CVE-2022-26134	Atlassian	Confluence Server and Data Center	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/74.html" title="CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')">CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')

Additional Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities

In addition to the 12 vulnerabilities listed in Table 1, the authoring agencies identified vulnerabilities—listed in Table 2—that were also routinely exploited by malicious cyber actors in 2022.

Table 2: Additional Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities in 2022

CVE	Vendor	Product	Type	CWE
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-0199" title="CVE-2017-0199">CVE-2017-0199	Microsoft	Multiple Products	Arbitrary Code Execution	None Listed
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-11882" target="_blank" title="CVE-2017-11882">CVE-2017-11882	Microsoft	Exchange Server	Arbitrary Code Execution	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/119.html" title="CWE-119: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer">CWE-119: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510" target="_blank" title="CVE-2019-11510">CVE-2019-11510	Ivanti	Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure	Arbitrary File Reading	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html" title="CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')">CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-0708" target="_blank" title="CVE-2019-0708">CVE-2019-0708	Microsoft	Remote Desktop Services	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/416.html" title="CWE-416: Use After Free">CWE-416: Use After Free
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781" target="_blank" title="CVE-2019-19781">CVE-2019-19781	Citrix	Application Delivery Controller and Gateway	Arbitrary Code Execution	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html" title="CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')">CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5902" target="_blank" title="CVE-2020-5902">CVE-2020-5902	F5 Networks	BIG-IP	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html" title="CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')">CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472" target="_blank" title="CVE-2020-1472">CVE-2020-1472	Microsoft	Multiple Products	Privilege Escalation	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/330.html" title="CWE-330: Use of Insufficiently Random Values">CWE-330: Use of Insufficiently Random Values
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14882" target="_blank" title="CVE-2020-14882">CVE-2020-14882	Oracle	WebLogic Server	RCE	None Listed
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14883" target="_blank" title="CVE-2020-14883">CVE-2020-14883	Oracle	WebLogic Server	RCE	None Listed
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-20016" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-20016">CVE-2021-20016	SonicWALL	SSLVPN SMA100	SQL Injection	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/89.html" title="CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')">CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26855" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-26855">CVE-2021-26855 (ProxyLogon)	Microsoft	Exchange Server	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/918.html" title="CWE-918: Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)">CWE-918: Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-27065" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-27065">CVE-2021-27065 (ProxyLogon)	Microsoft	Exchange Server	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html" title="CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')">CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26858" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-26858">CVE-2021-26858 (ProxyLogon)	Microsoft	Exchange Server	RCE	None Listed
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26857" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-26857">CVE-2021-26857 (ProxyLogon)	Microsoft	Exchange Server	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/502.html" title="CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data">CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-20021" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-20021">CVE-2021-20021	SonicWALL	Email Security	Privilege Escalation Exploit Chain	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/269.html" title="CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management">CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-40438" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-40438">CVE-2021-40438	Apache	HTTP Server	Server-Side Request Forgery	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/918.html" title="CWE-918: Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)">CWE-918: Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-41773" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-41773">CVE-2021-41773	Apache	HTTP Server	Server Path Traversal	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html" title=" CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')">CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-42013" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-42013">CVE-2021-42013	Apache	HTTP Server	Server Path Traversal	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html" title="CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')">CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-20038" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-20038">CVE-2021-20038	SonicWall	SMA 100 Series Appliances	Stack-based Buffer Overflow	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/787.html" title="CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write">CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write http://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/121.html" title="CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow">CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-45046" target="_blank" title="CVE-2021-45046">CVE-2021-45046	Apache	Log4j	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/917.html" title="CWE-917: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement ('Expression Language Injection')">CWE-917: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement ('Expression Language Injection')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-42475" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-42475">CVE-2022-42475	Fortinet	FortiOS	Heap-based Buffer Overflow	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/787.html" title="CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write">CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-24682" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-24682">CVE-2022-24682	Zimbra	Collaboration Suite	'Cross-site Scripting'	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/79.html" title="CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')">CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22536" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-22536">CVE-2022-22536	SAP	Internet Communication Manager (ICM)	HTTP Request Smuggling	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/444.html" title="CWE-444: Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests ('HTTP Request/Response Smuggling')">CWE-444: Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests ('HTTP Request/Response Smuggling')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22963" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-22963">CVE-2022-22963	VMware Tanzu	Spring Cloud	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/94.html" title="CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')">CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/917.html" title="CWE-917: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement ('Expression Language Injection')">CWE-917: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Language Statement ('Expression Language Injection')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-29464" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-29464">CVE-2022-29464	WSO2	Multiple Products	RCE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/434.html" title="CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type">CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-27924" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-27924">CVE-2022-27924	Zimbra	Zimbra Collaboration Suite	Command Injection	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/74.html" title="CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')">CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22047" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-22047">CVE-2022-22047	Microsoft	Windows CSRSS	Elevation of Privilege	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/269.html" title="CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management">CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-27593" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-27593">CVE-2022-27593	QNAP	QNAP NAS	Externally Controlled Reference	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/610.html" title="CWE-610: Externally Controlled Reference to a Resource in Another Sphere">CWE-610: Externally Controlled Reference to a Resource in Another Sphere
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-41082" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-41082">CVE-2022-41082	Microsoft	Exchange Server	Privilege Escalation	None Listed
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-40684" target="_blank" title="CVE-2022-40684">CVE-2022-40684	Fortinet	FortiOS, FortiProxy, FortiSwitchManager	Authentication Bypass	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/306.html" title="CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function">CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function

MITIGATIONS

Vendors and Developers

The authoring agencies recommend vendors and developers take the following steps to ensure their products are secure by design and default:

• Identify repeatedly exploited classes of vulnerability. Perform an analysis of both CVEs and known exploited vulnerabilities to understand which classes of vulnerability are identified more than others. Implement appropriate mitigations to eliminate those classes of vulnerability. For example, if a product has several instances of SQL injection vulnerabilities, ensure all database queries in the product use parameterized queries, and prohibit other forms of queries.


• Ensure business leaders are responsible for security. Business leaders should ensure that proactive steps to eliminate entire classes of security vulnerabilities, rather than only making one-off patches when new vulnerabilities are discovered.


• Follow the SSDF (https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-218/final" title="NIST SP 800-218">SP 800-218) and implement secure design practices into each stage of the SDLC. Pay attention to:
  
  • Prioritizing the use of memory safe languages wherever possible [https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-218.pdf" title="NIST Special Publication 800-218">SSDF PW 6.1].
  
  
  • Exercising due diligence when selecting software components (e.g., software libraries, modules, middleware, frameworks) to ensure robust security in consumer software products [https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-218.pdf" title="NIST Special Publication 800-218">SSDF PW 4.1].
  
  
  • Setting up secure development team practices; this includes conducting peer code reviews, working to a common organization secure coding standard, and maintaining awareness of language specific security concerns [https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-218.pdf" title="NIST Special Publication 800-218">SSDF PW.5.1, PW.7.1, PW.7.2].
  
  
  • Establishing a https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/governance-and-user-education/governance/vulnerability-disclosure-programs-explained" title="Vulnerability Disclosure Programs Explained">vulnerability disclosure program to verify and resolve security vulnerabilities disclosed by people who may be internal or external to the organization [https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-218.pdf" title="NIST Special Publication 800-218">SSDF RV.1.3]. As part of this, establish processes to determine root causes of discovered vulnerabilities.
  
  
  • Using static and dynamic application security testing (SAST/DAST) tools to analyze product source code and application behavior to detect error-prone practices [https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-218.pdf" title="NIST Special Publication 800-218">SSDF PW.7.2, PW.8.2].
  
  
  • Configuring production-ready products to have to most secure settings as default and providing guidance on the risks of changing each setting [https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-218.pdf" title="NIST Special Publication 800-218">SSDF PW.9.1, PW9.2]
  
  


• Prioritize secure-by-default configurations such as eliminating default passwords, implementing single sign on (SSO) technology via modern open standards, and providing high-quality audit logs to customers with no additional configuration and at no extra charge.


• Ensure published CVEs include the proper CWE field identifying the root cause of the vulnerability to enable industry-wide analysis of software security and design flaws.

For more information on designing secure-by-design and -default products, including additional recommended secure-by-default configurations, see joint guide https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/secure-by-design-and-default" title="Security-by-Design and -Default">Shifting the Balance of Cybersecurity Risk: Principles and Approaches for Security-by-Design and -Default.

End-User Organizations

The authoring agencies recommend end-user organizations implement the mitigations below to improve cybersecurity posture on the basis of the threat actors' activity. These mitigations align with the cross-sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) developed by CISA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The CPGs provide a minimum set of practices and protections that CISA and NIST recommend all organizations implement. CISA and NIST based the CPGs on existing cybersecurity frameworks and guidance to protect against the most common and impactful threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures. Visit CISA's https://www.cisa.gov/cross-sector-cybersecurity-performance-goals" title="Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals">Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals for more information on CPGs, including additional recommended baseline protections.

Vulnerability and Configuration Management

• Update software, operating systems, applications, and firmware on IT network assets in a timely manner [CPG 1.E]. Prioritize patching https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog" title="Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog">known exploited vulnerabilities, especially those CVEs identified in this CSA, then critical and high vulnerabilities that allow for remote code execution or denial-of-service on internet-facing equipment. For patch information on CVEs identified in this CSA, refer to the appendix.
  
  • If a patch for a known exploited or critical vulnerability cannot be quickly applied, implement vendor-approved workarounds.
  
  
  • Replace end-of-life software (i.e., software no longer supported by the vendor).
  
  


• Routinely perform automated asset discovery across the entire estate to identify and catalogue all the systems, services, hardware and software.


• Implement a robust patch management process and centralized patch management system that establishes prioritization of patch applications [CPG 1.A].
  
  • Organizations that are unable to perform rapid scanning and patching of internet-facing systems should consider moving these services to mature, reputable cloud service providers (CSPs) or other managed service providers (MSPs). Reputable MSPs can patch applications—such as webmail, file storage, file sharing, and chat and other employee collaboration tools—for their customers. However, MSPs and CSPs can expand their customer's attack surface and may introduce unanticipated risks, so organizations should proactively collaborate with their MSPs and CSPs to jointly reduce risk [CPG 1.F]. For more information and guidance, see the following resources.
    
    • CISA Insights Risk Considerations for Managed Service Provider Customers
    
    
    • CISA Insights Mitigations and Hardening Guidance for MSPs and Small- and Mid-sized Businesses
    
    
    • ACSC advice on https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/maintaining-devices-and-systems/outsourcing-and-procurement/managed-services/how-manage-your-security-when-engaging-managed-service-provider" title="How to Manage Your Security When Engaging a Managed Service Provider">How to Manage Your Security When Engaging a Managed Service Provider
    
    
  
  


• Document secure baseline configurations for all IT/OT components, including cloud infrastructure. Monitor, examine, and document any deviations from the initial secure baseline [CPG 2.O].


• Perform regular secure system backups and create known good copies of all device configurations for repairs and/or restoration. Store copies off-network in physically secure locations and test regularly [CPG 2.R].


• Maintain an updated cybersecurity incident response plan that is tested at least annually and updated within a risk informed time frame to ensure its effectiveness [CPG 2.S].

Identity and Access Management

• Enforce phishing-resistant multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users, without exception. [CPG 2.H].


• Enforce MFA on all VPN connections. If MFA is unavailable, require employees engaging in remote work to use strong passwords [CPG 2.A, 2.B, 2.C, 2.D, 2.G].


• Regularly review, validate, or remove privileged accounts (annually at a minimum) [CPG 2.D, 2.E].


• Configure access control under the principle of least privilege [CPG 2.Q].
  
  • Ensure software service accounts only provide necessary permissions (least privilege) to perform intended functions (using non-administrative privileges where feasible).
    Note: See CISA's Capacity Enhancement Guide – Implementing Strong Authentication and ACSC's guidance on https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/maintaining-devices-and-systems/system-hardening-and-administration/system-hardening/implementing-multi-factor-authentication" title="Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication">Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication for more information on authentication system hardening.
  
  

Protective Controls and Architecture

• Properly configure and secure internet-facing network devices, disable unused or unnecessary network ports and protocols, encrypt network traffic, and disable unused network services and devices [CPG 2.V, 2.W, 2X].
  
  • Harden commonly exploited enterprise network services, including Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR) protocol, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Common Internet File System (CIFS), Active Directory, and OpenLDAP.
  
  
  • Manage Windows Key Distribution Center (KDC) accounts (e.g., KRBTGT) to minimize Golden Ticket attacks and Kerberoasting.
  
  
  • Strictly control the use of native scripting applications, such as command-line, PowerShell, WinRM, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), and Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM).
  
  

• Implement Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) to limit or block lateral movement by controlling access to applications, devices, and databases. Use private virtual local area networks [CPG 2.F, 2.X]. Note: See the Department of Defense's https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Library/(U)ZT_RA_v2.0(U)_Sep22.pdf" title="Department of Defense (DoD) Zero Trust Reference Architecture">Zero Trust Reference Architecture for additional information on Zero Trust.


• Continuously monitor the attack surface and investigate abnormal activity that may indicate cyber actor or malware lateral movement [CPG 2.T].
  
  • Use security tools, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) and security information and event management (SIEM) tools. Consider using an information technology asset management (ITAM) solution to ensure EDR, SIEM, vulnerability scanner, and other similar tools are reporting the same number of assets [CPG 2.T, 2.V].
  
  
  • Use web application firewalls to monitor and filter web traffic. These tools are commercially available via hardware, software, and cloud-based solutions, and may detect and mitigate exploitation attempts where a cyber actor sends a malicious web request to an unpatched device [CPG 2.B, 2.F].
  
  
  • Implement an administrative policy and/or automated process configured to monitor unwanted hardware, software, or programs against an allowlist with specified approved versions [CPG 2.Q].
  
  
  • Use a network protocol analyzer to examine captured data, including packet-level data.
  
  

Supply Chain Security

• Reduce third-party applications and unique system/application builds—provide exceptions only if required to support business critical functions [CPG 2.Q].


• Ensure contracts require vendors and/or third-party service providers to:
  
  • Provide notification of security incidents and vulnerabilities within a risk informed time frame [CPG 1.G, 1.H, 1.I].
  
  
  • Supply a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) with all products to enhance vulnerability monitoring and to help reduce time to respond to identified vulnerabilities [CPG 4.B].
  
  


• Ask your software providers to discuss their secure by design program and to provide links to information about how they are working to remove classes of vulnerabilities, and to set secure default settings.

RESOURCES

• For information on the top vulnerabilities routinely exploited in 2016 through 2019, 2020, and 2021, see:
  
  • Joint CSA https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-133a" title="Top 10 Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities">Top 10 Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities
  
  
  • Joint CSA https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa21-209a" title="Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities">Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities
  
  
  • Joint CSA https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-117a" title="2021 Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities">2021 Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities
  
  


• See the appendix for additional partner resources on the vulnerabilities mentioned in this CSA.


• See ACSC's https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/essential-cyber-security/essential-eight/essential-eight-maturity-model" title="Essential Eight Maturity Model">Essential Eight mitigation strategies for additional mitigations.


• See ACSC's https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/maintaining-devices-and-systems/outsourcing-and-procurement/cyber-supply-chains/cyber-supply-chain-risk-management" title="Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management">Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management for additional considerations and advice.

DISCLAIMER

The information in this report is being provided "as is" for informational purposes only. CISA, FBI, NSA, ACSC, CCCS, NCSC-NZ, CERT NZ, and NCSC-UK do not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring.

PURPOSE

This document was developed by CISA, NSA, FBI, ACSC, CCCS, NCSC-NZ, CERT NZ, and NCSC-UK in furtherance of their respective cybersecurity missions, including their responsibilities to develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations.

REFERENCES

[1] https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/apache-log4j-vulnerability-guidance" title="Apache Log4j Vulnerability Guidance">Apache Log4j Vulnerability Guidance

VERSION HISTORY

August 3, 2023: Initial version.

APPENDIX: PATCH INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TOP EXPLOITED VULNERABILITIES

CVE	Vendor	Affected Products and Versions	Patch Information	Resources
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-0199" title="CVE-2017-0199">CVE-2017-0199	Microsoft	Multiple Products	https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/vulnerability/CVE-2017-0199" title="Microsoft Office/WordPad Remote Code Execution Vulnerability w/Windows">Microsoft Office/WordPad Remote Code Execution Vulnerability w/Windows
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-11882" title="CVE-2017-11882">CVE-2017-11882	Microsoft	Office, Multiple Versions	https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/vulnerability/CVE-2017-11882" title="Microsoft Office Memory Corruption Vulnerability">Microsoft Office Memory Corruption Vulnerability, CVE-2017-11882
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13379" title="CVE-2018-13379">CVE-2018-13379	Fortinet	FortiOS and FortiProxy 2.0.2, 2.0.1, 2.0.0, 1.2.8, 1.2.7, 1.2.6, 1.2.5, 1.2.4, 1.2.3, 1.2.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.0, 1.1.6	https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-20-233" title="FortiProxy - system file leak through SSL VPN special crafted HTTP resource requests">FortiProxy - system file leak through SSL VPN special crafted HTTP resource requests	Joint CSAs: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa21-321a" title="Iranian Government-Sponsored APT Cyber Actors Exploiting Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet Vulnerabilities in Furtherance of Malicious Activities">Iranian Government-Sponsored APT Cyber Actors Exploiting Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet Vulnerabilities in Furtherance of Malicious Activities https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-047a" title="Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Target Cleared Defense Contractor Networks to Obtain Sensitive U.S. Defense Information and Technology">Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Target Cleared Defense Contractor Networks to Obtain Sensitive U.S. Defense Information and Technology https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-283a" title="APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations">APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11510" title="CVE-2019-11510">CVE-2019-11510	Ivanti	Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure versions, 9.0R1 to 9.0R3.3, 8.3R1 to 8.3R7, and 8.2R1 to 8.2R12	https://forums.ivanti.com/s/article/SA44101?language=en_US" title="SA44101 - 2019-04: Out-of-Cycle Advisory: Multiple vulnerabilities resolved in Pulse Connect Secure / Pulse Policy Secure 9.0RX">SA44101 - 2019-04: Out-of-Cycle Advisory: Multiple vulnerabilities resolved in Pulse Connect Secure / Pulse Policy Secure 9.0RX	CISA Alerts: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-010a" title="Continued Exploitation of Pulse Secure VPN Vulnerability">Continued Exploitation of Pulse Secure VPN Vulnerability https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-258a" title="Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity">Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity ACSC Advisory: https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/advisories/2019-129-recommendations-mitigate-vulnerability-pulse-connect-secure-vpn-software" title="2019-129: Recommendations to mitigate vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure VPN Software">2019-129: Recommendations to mitigate vulnerability in Pulse Connect Secure VPN Software Joint CSA: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-283a" title="APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations">APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations CCCS Alert: https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/alerts/apt-actors-target-us-and-allied-networks-nsacisafbi" title="Alert - APT Actors Target U.S. and Allied Networks - update 1">APT Actors Target U.S. and Allied Networks - Update 1
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-0708" title="CVE-2019-0708">CVE-2019-0708	Microsoft	Remote Desktop Services	https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/vulnerability/CVE-2019-0708" title="Remote Desktop Services Remote Code Execution Vulnerability">Remote Desktop Services Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-19781" title="CVE-2019-19781">CVE-2019-19781	Citrix	ADC and Gateway version 13.0 all supported builds before 13.0.47.24 NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway, version 12.1 all supported builds before 12.1.55.18; version 12.0 all supported builds before 12.0.63.13; version 11.1 all supported builds before 11.1.63.15; version 10.5 all supported builds before 10.5.70.12 SD-WAN WANOP appliance models 4000-WO, 4100-WO, 5000-WO, and 5100-WO all supported software release builds before 10.2.6b and 11.0.3b	https://support.citrix.com/article/CTX267027/cve201919781-vulnerability-in-citrix-application-delivery-controller-citrix-gateway-and-citrix-sdwan-wanop-appliance" title="CVE-2019-19781 - Vulnerability in Citrix Application Delivery Controller, Citrix Gateway, and Citrix SD-WAN WANOP appliance">CVE-2019-19781 - Vulnerability in Citrix Application Delivery Controller, Citrix Gateway, and Citrix SD-WAN WANOP appliance	Joint CSAs: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-283a" title="APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations">APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-258a" title="Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity">Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity CCCS Alert: https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/alerts/detecting-compromises-relating-citrix-cve-2019-19781-0" title="Alert - Detecting Compromises relating to Citrix CVE-2019-19781">Detecting Compromises relating to Citrix CVE-2019-19781
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-5902" title="CVE-2020-5902">CVE-2020-5902	F5	BIG IP versions 15.1.0, 15.0.0 to 15.0.1, 14.1.0 to 14.1.2, 13.1.0 to 13.1.3, 12.1.0 to 12.1.5, and 11.6.1 to 11.6.5	https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K52145254" title="K52145254: TMUI RCE vulnerability CVE-2020-5902">K52145254: TMUI RCE vulnerability CVE-2020-5902	CISA Alert: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-206a" title="Threat Actor Exploitation of F5 BIG-IP CVE-2020-5902">Threat Actor Exploitation of F5 BIG-IP CVE-2020-5902
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472" title="CVE-2020-1472">CVE-2020-1472	Microsoft	Windows Server, Multiple Versions	https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/vulnerability/CVE-2020-1472" title="Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability">Microsoft Security Update Guide: Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, CVE-2020-1472	ACSC Advisory: https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/advisories/advisory-2020-016-zerologon-netlogon-elevation-privilege-vulnerability-cve-2020-1472" title="Advisory 2020-016: "Zerologon" - Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2020-1472)">2020-016: Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2020-1472) Joint CSA: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-283a" title="APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations">APT Actors Chaining Vulnerabilities Against SLTT, Critical Infrastructure, and Elections Organizations CCCS Alert: https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/alerts/microsoft-netlogon-elevation-privilege-vulnerability-cve-2020-1472" title="Alert - Microsoft Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2020-1472 - update 1">Microsoft Netlogon Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2020-1472 - Update 1
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14882" title="CVE-2020-14882">CVE-2020-14882	O Let's not argue. Let's network! Print Go Up Pages1 User actions Networking-Forums.com Professional Discussions Vendor Advisories US-CERT- 2022 Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities User actions Print Help | Terms and Rules | Go Up ▲ SMF 2.1.4 © 2023, Simple Machines