CVE-2022-24903

Buffer overflow in TCP syslog server (receiver) components in rsyslog

Description

Rsyslog is a rocket-fast system for log processing. Modules for TCP syslog reception have a potential heap buffer overflow when octet-counted framing is used. This can result in a segfault or some other malfunction. As of our understanding, this vulnerability can not be used for remote code execution. But there may still be a slight chance for experts to do that. The bug occurs when the octet count is read. While there is a check for the maximum number of octets, digits are written to a heap buffer even when the octet count is over the maximum, This can be used to overrun the memory buffer. However, once the sequence of digits stop, no additional characters can be added to the buffer. In our opinion, this makes remote exploits impossible or at least highly complex. Octet-counted framing is one of two potential framing modes. It is relatively uncommon, but enabled by default on receivers. Modules `imtcp`, `imptcp`, `imgssapi`, and `imhttp` are used for regular syslog message reception. It is best practice not to directly expose them to the public. When this practice is followed, the risk is considerably lower. Module `imdiag` is a diagnostics module primarily intended for testbench runs. We do not expect it to be present on any production installation. Octet-counted framing is not very common. Usually, it needs to be specifically enabled at senders. If users do not need it, they can turn it off for the most important modules. This will mitigate the vulnerability.

Categories

8.1
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 1.01% Top 25%
Vendor Advisory fedoraproject.org Vendor Advisory debian.org
Affected: rsyslog rsyslog
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2022-24903?
CVE-2022-24903 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2022-24903?
To fix CVE-2022-24903, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2022-24903 being actively exploited in the wild?
It is possible that CVE-2022-24903 is being exploited or will be exploited in a near future based on public information. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~1% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2022-24903?
CVE-2022-24903 affects rsyslog rsyslog.
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