CVE-2022-42092
Published: 07 October 2022
Summary
CVE-2022-42092 is a high-severity Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type (CWE-434) vulnerability in Backdropcms Backdrop Cms. Its CVSS base score is 7.2 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 11.3% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
Backdrop CMS version 1.22.0 contains an unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the themes component, classified under CWE-434, that can lead to remote code execution. The issue received a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.2 and was publicly reported in October 2022, although third parties have disputed the finding on the grounds that advanced administrative permissions are required to reach the affected functionality.
An authenticated attacker who can upload theme files may place arbitrary PHP content that executes on the server, achieving full remote code execution. The attack vector is network-accessible with low attack complexity once the necessary permissions are obtained.
Public references consist of a technical disclosure write-up that demonstrates the upload path but provides no official patch or mitigation guidance from the Backdrop project. The associated EPSS score remained low after disclosure before rising to a peak of 0.0526 in January 2025 and later receding to 0.0398, indicating a measurable increase in observed exploitation interest well after the original publication date.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2022-6998
Vulnerability details
Backdrop CMS 1.22.0 has Unrestricted File Upload vulnerability via 'themes' that allows attackers to Remote Code Execution. Note: Third parties dispute this and argue that advanced permissions are required.
- 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.
Requiring identifiable owners for portable devices reduces the attack surface for unrestricted uploads of dangerous file types via anonymous media.
Dangerous file uploads can be detonated in the chamber to determine malice before any production write or execution occurs.
Prevents unrestricted writing of arbitrary or malicious firmware by keeping hardware write-protect enabled except under tightly controlled manual procedures.
Scans files from external sources on download/open/execute, blocking unrestricted uploads of dangerous file types.