CVE-2022-23121
Published: 28 March 2023
Summary
CVE-2022-23121 is a critical-severity Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions (CWE-755) vulnerability in Debian Debian Linux. Its CVSS base score is 9.8 (Critical).
Operationally, ranked in the top 4.6% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Deeper analysis
This vulnerability affects Netatalk and resides in the parse_entries function, where improper error handling during AppleDouble entry parsing permits remote code execution. No authentication is required, and successful exploitation grants code execution in the root context. The issue was originally tracked as ZDI-CAN-15819 and carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8.
Remote attackers can exploit the flaw over the network without user interaction or credentials to achieve arbitrary code execution with full system privileges. The weakness is categorized under CWE-755 for improper handling of exceptional conditions.
Public advisories from Debian, Gentoo, and the Netatalk project document available patches, including updates in Netatalk 3.1.13 and corresponding distribution security updates that address the parsing flaw.
The EPSS score rose materially from lower values after disclosure to a peak of 0.7051 on 2025-01-22 before receding to the current 0.1824, indicating increased exploitation interest well after the initial publication.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2022-28212
Vulnerability details
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Netatalk. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the parse_entries function. The issue results from the lack of proper error handling…
more
when parsing AppleDouble entries. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-15819.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Provides defined handling (alert and additional actions) for the exceptional condition of audit logging failure.
Supplies a concrete handling action (safe mode) for exceptional conditions, mitigating risks from improper or absent handling that could allow continued attacks.
By preparing users for contingency scenarios, the control promotes proper handling of exceptional conditions instead of default or unsafe behaviors.
An updated contingency plan defines current actions for exceptional conditions, reducing the window for attackers to exploit improper handling leading to system failure.
Procedures ensure proper handling of exceptional conditions to support effective incident response.
Incident response testing confirms proper handling of exceptional conditions to limit exploit impact.
Gives users guidance on incident handling, reducing improper handling of exceptional conditions that could stem from exploited weaknesses.
Enforces structured response to exceptional conditions so the system cannot remain in an unsafe state.