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CriticalCISA KEVExploited in the wildPublic exploit

Remote Code Execution in IBM Aspera Faspex via YAML Deserialization

IdentifiersCVE-2022-47986CWE-502· Deserialization of Untrusted Data

IBM Aspera Faspex 4.4.2 Patch Level 1 and earlier contain a YAML deserialization vulnerability that can allow remote code execution. According to the provided content, a remote attacker can send a specially crafted request to an obsolete API call and trigger unsafe deserialization of YAML data, resulting in arbitrary code execution on the Faspex server. IBM removed the obsolete API call in Faspex 4.4.2 PL2.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

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Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or commands on the affected IBM Aspera Faspex system. This can lead to full compromise of the Faspex server, deployment of additional malware, follow-on lateral movement, and use of the server as an initial access point in broader intrusion or ransomware activity. The provided context specifically notes observed exploitation to execute commands on Aspera Faspex servers.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

If immediate patching is not possible, reduce exposure by restricting or disabling access to the vulnerable obsolete API functionality, limiting network access to Faspex management and application interfaces, and removing internet exposure where feasible. Additional compensating controls include WAF or reverse-proxy filtering for unexpected requests to obsolete API endpoints, close monitoring for suspicious API calls and command execution, and incident-response review of Faspex servers for signs of compromise. Specific mitigation details beyond removal of the obsolete API call were not provided in the content.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade IBM Aspera Faspex to version 4.4.2 Patch Level 2 or later. The provided content states that the obsolete API call associated with exploitation was removed in Faspex 4.4.2 PL2. Organizations should identify all internet-facing Faspex instances, apply the vendor fix, and verify that no affected versions remain exposed.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (1 hidden).

VALID 1 / 2 TOTALView more in app
CVE-2022-47986MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository provides multiple exploit implementations for CVE-2022-47986, a critical unauthenticated remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in IBM Aspera Faspex (versions prior to 4.4.2) due to unsafe YAML deserialization in the web interface. The exploit works by sending a specially crafted POST request to the /aspera/faspex/package_relay/relay_package endpoint, injecting a malicious YAML payload in the 'external_emails' field that triggers Ruby object deserialization and arbitrary command execution on the server. The repository includes: - CVE-2022-47986.py: A Python proof-of-concept script that takes a target URL and a command, then sends the exploit payload to execute the command remotely. - CVE-2022-47986.rb: A Ruby script with similar functionality, allowing command execution via command-line arguments. - ibm-aspera-faspex-rce.nse: An Nmap NSE script for automated vulnerability scanning and exploitation, supporting custom command execution. - ibm_aspera_faspex_rce_yaml_deserialization.rb: A Metasploit module enabling weaponized exploitation, including reverse shell payload delivery. The README provides usage instructions for all scripts and modules, as well as references to public advisories and analysis. The exploit is operational and can be used for both detection and exploitation, with the Metasploit module offering advanced payload options. The main attack vector is network-based, targeting the exposed web interface of vulnerable IBM Aspera Faspex servers.

mauricelambertDisclosed Mar 9, 2023pythonrubynetwork
EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

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VendorProductType
International Business MachinesAspera Faspexapplication

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Threat actor evidence1

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Associated malware3

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Detection signatures2

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Social activity2

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