CVE-2022-4978
Published: 23 July 2025
Summary
CVE-2022-4978 is a critical-severity OS Command Injection (CWE-78) vulnerability in Githubusercontent (inferred from references). Its CVSS base score is 9.3 (Critical).
Operationally, ranked in the top 2.1% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
Remote Control Server version 3.1.1.12, maintained by Steppschuh, contains an unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability when authentication is disabled, the product's default setting. The server implements a custom UDP-based control protocol that accepts remote keyboard input events without any verification, exposing the affected system to command injection as indicated by the associated CWEs.
An attacker positioned on the same network can exploit the flaw by sending a crafted sequence of keystroke commands that launch a system shell and execute arbitrary code, resulting in full system compromise. The vulnerability carries a CVSS 4.0 score of 9.3 reflecting network-accessible attack complexity that requires no privileges or user interaction.
Public references include a Metasploit exploit module, the vendor site, and a VulnCheck advisory that document the issue and available tooling for detection or exploitation testing. The EPSS score has reached 0.4940 without a documented rise from a lower baseline.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2022-55210
Vulnerability details
Remote Control Server, maintained by Steppschuh, 3.1.1.12 allows unauthenticated remote code execution when authentication is disabled, which is the default configuration. The server exposes a custom UDP-based control protocol that accepts remote keyboard input events without verification. An attacker on…
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the same network can issue a sequence of keystroke commands to launch a system shell and execute arbitrary commands, resulting in full system compromise.
- 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.
Requires established identification and authentication to unlock, mitigating missing authentication for continued system access.
Requiring identification and rationale for actions allowed without authentication ensures critical functions are not left unprotected by forcing review of authentication requirements.
Authorizing mobile device connections to organizational systems ensures authentication is performed for this critical access function.
Guarantees critical functions are protected by mandatory invocation of the access control mechanism.
Auditing sessions makes it possible to detect access to critical functions without required authentication.
The assessment process confirms authentication is present and effective for critical functions, preventing exploitation from missing authentication.
Certification assesses that critical functions have required authentication controls in place.
Disabling non-essential functions and services eliminates the need to secure them, reducing exposure from missing authentication on unnecessary components.